We were saddened to learn of the death last week of long-time college friend Evanne Jardine of Bishop, California. Evanne and her husband John have been enthusiastic friends to the college ever since they moved to the Eastern Sierra two decades ago, and we have enjoyed their company at campus events and public speaking over many years. Their devoted support of our educational goals has made a very positive impact on the life of the college. John has shared the announcement of Evanne’s passing, below. We extend our deepest sympathies to John and all of their family.
Evanne Hays Jardine, 3/12/40 – 12/10/2016
On December 10, Evanne Jardine, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, ended her two years long fight with pancreatic cancer at her home in Bishop. She will always be our champ, now at rest and content with her life and achievements, centered in her indomitable spirit and held in the steadfast love and joyful memories of family, friends and colleagues.
From 1966-95, Evanne taught English composition and literature at Santa Barbara City College, with an emphasis on American literature. After retiring with her husband John Cunningham to Mammoth Lakes, she continued writing poetry and fiction as she always had, participating in two writing groups. She returned to her earlier practice of art, joining plein air classes and groups, her work frequently exhibited in Bishop and Mammoth. Her book of recent poems and watercolors, chiefly of the Sierra, Learning to Weave, was published in October, 2016 and is available through Bishop Art Supply and Spellbinder Books in Bishop. It is also available at http://stores.bishopartsupply.
Evanne, an avid hiker and skier, also taught courses in the history of the Eastern Sierra. With grace and humor, she demonstrated strength of character, a lifelong love of learning, appreciation of beauty, and spirit of adventure. She and John traveled the world and, with their dog Sophie, camped all over the West and Mexico.
Evanne is survived by her ever-loving husband John, her son Sean, stepchildren Barbara and Michael, and grandchildren Eamonn, Kyle, Brian, Henry and Clara, as well as her sister Debbie and her brother John Edward, known as Jed.
We let go, but we never lose sight . . . . ”All Light is Beautiful.”
Memorial service to be announced later.