Evelyn (Johnson) Hegge-Mullen

Millet

1917-2014

Description

Life and Work

Evelyn Agnes Johnson was born on July 19, 1917, at 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, 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 an active member of the Vang Lutheran Church, the Vang Ladies Aid, and active in the surrounding community. For Evelyn, farm life was "just routine.” Evelyn helped with Vacation Bible school, taught Sunday school at the Vang church, and was a member of the church choir. 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 was a founding member of and held several executive positions on 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.

Evelyn married Anton Hegge on February 2, 1939, in Edmonton. Evelyn and Anton welcomed four children: Elnora, Alton, Edwin and Joanne. 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 and into their home in Millet. In 1974, Evelyn and Jim moved to Wetaskiwin. Evelyn was "coerced" into becoming the treasurer at the Seniors Centre. Also, 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.