Obituary of Evelyn Pearl Rafuse

It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of Evelyn Pearl (Faulkner) Rafuse on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, in Mayflower Meadows, Windsor. Born in Windsor, on February 6, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Roland Faulker and Gertrude (Kilcup) Rafuse and step-daughter to the late Marcus Rafuse.

Evelyn grew up on Rand Street in Hantsport where she built friendships that would last a lifetime. If you were out for a drive with her, she would often be heard saying “Let’s take a drive through Hantsport”, recounting many cherished memories of her youth in the town. She later moved to Upper Vaughan where she spent the rest of her life in the community she cared for deeply and served with unwavering dedication. It was there that she began her career teaching at the one-room “Little Red Schoolhouse” in Upper Vaughan, where she taught many local children, some of them her own relatives. When the new school was opened in Windsor Forks, Evelyn continued teaching there for a few years before beginning a long and fulfilling career as a cook at King’s-Edgehill School, where she remained until her retirement. She was well respected throughout her working career with many of her former students and co-workers keeping in contact with regular visits, calls and messages.

She loved going out to eat and whether out with her granddaughters, shopping with her sisters-in-law, out with her Hantsport friends or celebrating with “the birthday girls”, she visited many of the restaurants in the Windsor, Valley and South Shore area.

Evelyn loved attending the annual exhibitions and ox pulls while her beloved husband, Paul, proudly teamed his oxen, occasions she treasured for the chance to chat it up with friends and neighbours.

A gifted storyteller, known for her remarkable memory and vivid detail, she could recount not only events, but the exact day, the weather and even what people were wearing. Her stories, along with her quick wit and warm sense of humor, brought joy and laughter to all who knew her.

A devoted member of her community, Evelyn was a member of the Upper Vaughan Baptist Church, the Ladies Aid Group and the Hospital Auxiliary. She also contributed to supporting the many community events, fund raisers and charities.

Family was at the heart of everything Evelyn did. Whether caring for her grandchildren, supporting her daughter, Prudi or helping anyone in need, she gave her time and love generously. Her home was always open and visits were especially full of laughter as the stories flowed endlessly, leaving everyone in stitches. No one ever left without a story and something delicious to eat. An exceptional cook, Evelyn was known for her simple secret to making everything taste better: “just put a little sugar in it”.

She leaves behind her loving son, Roger Paul (Tanya); granddaughters, Autumn (Byron) and Lilyanne (Cody), whom she adored deeply; son-in-law, Jack Zinck and brother, Les (Maureen) Rafuse, with whom she shared a close and special bond.

Besides her parents, Evelyn was predeceased by her loving husband, Paul David; daughter, Prudence Joy (Rafuse) Zinck; infant grandson, Jack Stclair Zinck; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clark and Olive.

Evelyn will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kindness, humor, generosity and her deep love of family and community. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, care and countless cherished memories.

The family would like to give our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of Mayflower Meadows and Unit 500 of Hants Community Hospital for the care and compassion Evelyn received and friendships she made during her time there.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). As per Evelyn’s wishes there will be no visitation or service. A private family graveside service will be held in Vaughan Community Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Evelyn may be made to the Upper Vaughan Baptist Church, 81 Lakeview Cres., Upper Vaughan, NS B0N 2T0; Upper Vaughan’s Community Hall Association, 68 Innes Lane, Upper Vaughan, NS, B0N 2T0; Muscular Dystrophy Canada, Unit 112, 50 Eileen Stubbs Ave., Dartmouth, NS B3B 0M7 or to a charity of one’s choice. Messages may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca, open the obituary and click on the condolence tab.

I Got Here Ok

Just a little letter,
I just wanted to say
Everything is fine,
And I got here okay.

I made it to heaven,
This place is really great.
Family came to meet me;
They were waiting by the gate.

I am young again,
No illness and no pain.
Things I could not do on Earth
I can now do again.

This place is beautiful,
I feel like I have come home.
There are waterfalls and flowers,
And green fields where I roam.

Please don’t worry about me,
For I am in God’s care.
And when the time is right,
I will meet you there.

Enjoy the life you have,
Cherish every single day.
I just wanted you to know
That I got here okay.