Evelyn Mae Bank

Evelyn BANK

1947 - 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Evelyn Bank (nee Ursulescu) at the age of 76, on December 20, 2023. Evelyn leaves behind her beloved husband Al, daughters Desiree Kirby, Daniela (Kevin) Zerr, Candace (Reynaldo) Cardoso, brother Robert (Wanda) Ursulescu, grandchildren Jason, Justin, Brandon, Jessica, Kaitlyn, James, Elizabeth, and great granddaughter Briar Rose, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She is predeceased by her parents Lazar and Valeria Ursulescu and brother William (Bill). 

She was born and grew up in Regina and from an early age had a love for art and animals.  At the age of twelve she contracted polio and endured a year-long hospitalization away from her family, but despite the concerns of some that she may never walk again, she recovered and went on in high school to play basketball and worked as a playground supervisor.

Her career in the floral industry lasted over 40 years, beginning when she started working in a flower shop in Grade 12.  She used her considerable artistic talents and “ahead of her time” sense of ascetics creating flower arrangements to bridal bouquets and even Christmas trees that were truly works of art.  She worked many years at the Hudson Bay as the head of Decorative Accessories & Floral Department, for a while had her own business, Serendipity, before returning to The Bay, then Green Elegance, then onto Castle Furniture, and finally ended her career with her business Lavender Lane Flower Shoppe, which she closed upon retirement.

Her love and appreciation for art and design manifest in many forms.  She was a passionate artist, with particular interest in pastels. She was very creative in her drawings and paintings and over the years participated in various shows where her pieces would often sell quickly.  Her talents as a florist extended into interior design, she helped many people decorate their homes with her unique sense of beauty, sophistication, and comfort; she brought beauty to people’s homes.  One of her favorite times of year, was the holiday season. It was a time when her talents would shine and she would spend the weeks leading up to Christmas decorating the homes of her many clients, having decorated probably thousands of trees in her career.  Evelyn’s participation in the Festival of Trees was a highlight of each Christmas season, especially in the early years. Her trees would often be amongst the ones that had the highest bids.

Semi-retiring, Evelyn and Al built their dream home in Buena Vista. Her vison for their house was breathtaking inside and out. It was while living at the lake that she finally had the time to join an art guild, and devote herself to her art.

The last 14 years Evelyn had to draw on her strength, as her health took a turn due to the effects of Post Polio. She faced each new challenge with such determination, even though she was living with incredible pain and mobility issues. In the last month she was faced with even more health complications, still, right till the end Evelyn fought for every breath, not wanting to give up. Her love for her husband and family more evident than ever.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Cecilia Parish, 5020 7th Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan on Wednesday. January 3rd at 1:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Polio Regina.  http://nonprofits.accesscomm.ca/polio or email ivan.jorgensen@sasktel.net.