Tuggerah Lakes Salvation Army will hold a memorial service to honour the late Evelyn Gardner at 12.30pm on Sunday, June 2.
Evelyn, often known as the “angel” of Gorokan, died on May 7, after a lifetime devoted to helping the underprivileged.
“Evelyn was enthusiastic about sharing the love of Jesus with everyone she met,” Tuggerah Lakes Salvation Army Welfare Co-ordinator and Ministry Assistant Kerri Lorenz said.
Evelyn was a member of the church and became a Salvation Army Soldier four weeks before her death.
“You may have seen her around Wyong, in and out of the courthouse supporting those who are facing tough times,” Lorenz said.
“You may have seen her at Gorokan where she set up a women’s cancer support group at Wyong Leagues Club.
“You may have crossed paths with her on Friday nights at Lake Haven McDonald’s, where she would meet with many young folks who came from challenging backgrounds.
“She would encourage them to make good choices and talk to them about changing their lives for the better.
“She was like a substitute mother figure who loved them, listened to them, and spoke hope into their lives.
“She was often seen out on the streets at night doing street ministry, meeting troubled folk who were on the brink of suicide or escaping domestic violence.
“In times like this, she would sit with them, speak words of love and hope into their lives and counsel them into moving forward with her support and the help from other agencies.
“Evelyn lived her life with a passion to save souls.”
Evelyn started a soup kitchen called Cornerstone at the Seventh Day Adventist Church at Kanwal where the marginalised were welcomed, fed, and clothed but more importantly were a part of a community that they so longed for.
She had many business contacts to support her ministries, collaborating closely with Bakers Delight, Lowes, Clarke shoes, Millers and local real estate agencies to help house and provide the necessary support to those in need.
She worked closely with Gorokan Public School as a mentor to troubled kids who needed a support person.
“Evelyn’s passion and dedication for the homeless and street ministry is legendary,” Lorenz said.
“She would spend countless hours a week driving around local areas of Wyong, Gorokan, Canton Beach, Norah Head and Toukley delivering food hampers to those who were homeless or living in caravan parks.
“She continued this ministry partnering with Tuggerah Lakes Salvation Army welfare team in the last few years of her life.”
The State Government named Evelyn in 2018 as the Woman of the Year for the Wyong electorate.
“She advocated for those who could not advocate for themselves,” Lorenz said.
“Evelyn had a profound impact on many people in our local community.
“She would support families with visitations to prison and court hearings.
“She never judged anyone regarding their circumstances but just loved them for who they were and encouraged them to be a better person next time.”
The memorial service will be held at Tuggerah Lakes Salvation Army, 90 Minnamurra Rd, Gorokan, at 12.30pm on June 2.
I recall Ev saying from her hospital bed that she was overwhelmed with heartfelt gratitude for all the kindness and love conveyed from others making sure she knew just how appreciated,past and present she was to many. Evelyn and her husband Wal were my surrogate Mum and Dad,…irreplaceable .