Evelyn Hegge-Mullen

Evelyn Agnes Johnson was born on July 19, 1917, in Veteran, Alberta. Evelyn was the second daughter of Elling Bertram Johnson and Anna Marie Anderson. Around the age of five, Evelyn, her older sister Mabel, her younger sister Irma, and their parents moved to a farm about four miles east of Millet, where her brother Earland was born.

Evelyn and her sisters attended grades one to nine at the Sparling School and traveled there by walking or riding bareback. While growing up, Evelyn was active in the surrounding community, including the Vang Lutheran Church and the Vang Ladies Aid. Later, Evelyn helped with Vacation Bible school, taught Sunday school at the Vang church, and was a member of the church choir. For Evelyn, farm life was "just routine.” Harvest time was particularly important for the families in the area. Everyone pitched in, helping with chores and feeding the threshing crews, in addition to caring for children and the home.

Evelyn married Anton Hegge on February 2, 1939, in Edmonton. Evelyn and Anton welcomed four children: Elnora, Alton, Edwin and Joanne.

Evelyn was a founding member of and held several executive positions with the Golden Glow Women’s Institute, which was started in 1948. Through her involvement in W.I., Evelyn was able to enhance her sewing, canning, and preserving skills, and won first place ribbons on most of her entries in the W.I. constituency handicraft competitions. Evelyn was a leader with the Millet Mermaidens Girls Club (W.I.G.C.) for many years, teaching girls skills such as sewing, knitting, and most importantly, public speaking. Evelyn actively supported her children in their 4-H activities. Following Anton's death in 1964, Evelyn was employed with Mullen Insurance. She married Jim Mullen in 1967, and welcomed Eddie, Phillip John, and Marilynn into the family. In 1974, Evelyn and Jim moved to Wetaskiwin, where Evelyn became the treasurer at the Seniors Centre. Evelyn held several board positions and was head of the Catering Group for years. In 1984, Evelyn was honoured as Wetaskiwin’s Citizen of the year.

Evelyn continued to live in the home she shared with Jim after his death in 1995. Her home continued to be the center of many family gatherings throughout the year. Family and friends were important to Evelyn, and she took great pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Evelyn passed away on February 14th, 2014 at the age of 96.