It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eve Charette, formally Eve Houlton, (nee Last), who died peacefully on January 27 ^th at the age of 99.

Eve came into this world on August 16 ^th , 1922, one of four children born to a coal miner in the small English town of St Helen's. Her childhood was marked by loss; after her mother and sister died from illness, her father left his remaining children to be raised by their grandmother. Later, her brother was also lost in a tragic accident in his teen years. While Eve would work many jobs over the years, she took her first job during this time at the age of fourteen, on the Isle of Man, where she helped the housekeeper for the Church refectory.

During World War II, Eve reconnected with her childhood sweetheart, John Houlton, who was then a solider in the Canadian army and the two married. While John fought, Eve worked in factories, proud to be doing her part in the war effort.

After the war, Eve and John moved to Canada, settled in Port Credit and raised their family in the house that John built on Pine Avenue. Unfortunately, after thirteen years of marriage, tragedy struck once more when John's untimely death at age thirty-six left her widowed and raising five children on her own. This was a challenge she tackled with her strength of will and steadfast determination. Years later, she met and married her second husband, Lomer Charette.

Eve was a vivacious force of life. A devout Catholic, the church was a core part of her life. She enjoyed nature in all its forms, but especially flowers, long walks along the river or lake and spending time at her cottage. To the delight of her friends and family, Eve had many creative talents which showcased her exemplary attention for details. An avid doll maker, she created porcelain dolls and figures who can still be found adorning the homes of relatives and acquaintances. She also enjoyed making and decorating elaborate wedding cakes for others and was a great knitter, too.

Opinionated and fearless in expressing her opinions, Eve loved this country and had a strong sense of civic duty. To Eve, if something was wrong, people just didn't need to know, they had to do something about it. She was ceaseless in her pursuit to make the world a better place. This led her to volunteer for numerous organizations throughout the years.

She was a proud member of the Liberal Party and the Catholic Women's League. For many years, she drove for the Children's Aid Society, helping mothers get to clinics and appointments. She also actively supported Operation Smile. She supported Pier 21 in their efforts to recognize its significance in the arrival of immigrants to our country. She had joined the War Brides Association and went to a few gatherings, where she enjoyed sharing her own War Bride story with them.

As chairwoman for the social committee at the Bronte Harbour Club, Eve was very active with the social activities, such as going on trips and organizing parties. She was on the condo board. An excellent bowler, she also bowled with St Mary's bowling league.

Her participation in these various organizations reflected her values; her devotion to her faith, her national pride, her sense of duty, her love of family, and joy in the wonder of nature, which she instilled in all of her family.

That which helps us endure doesn't always help us endear, but if loss teaches us anything, it's to appreciate what we have. For Eve, her greatest loss was also her greatest treasure. Her family was everything to her, and she loved hers fiercely. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, including; her daughter, Patricia Jupp (nee Houlton) (Jack); granddaughter Kimberly Porty (nee Jupp) (Paul) and her children, great-grandson Jonathan Porty (Amanda), great-grandson Christopher Porty (Nirubaa), and great-granddaughter Kailin Porty; granddaughter Jennifer Jupp (Jeff) and her children, great-grandson Rishad Mohammed and great-grandson Darren Mohammed; her son Brian Houlton (Pat); her daughter Maureen Grandis (nee Houlton) (Reg); grandson Jesse Grandis (Kim) and great-grandsons Brayden and Nathan Sylvester; granddaughter Cassandra Grandis Cabral (Sam) and great-granddaughter Elaine Grandis Cabral; her son Daniel Houlton (Karen); granddaughter Rachel Houlton; great-grandson Loki Houlton and great-great grandsons Clay and Boone Houlton; granddaughter Michelle Hillyard (nee Houlton) (Barry) and great-grandchildren Juniper, Jude and Jack Hillyard; nephew Kevin Tully (Rebecca) and their children Kristen and Curran; niece Bernadette Tully Doedens (Jim) children, Andrew and Ashley, as well as family members still living in England.

Eve was predeceased by her first husband, John Houlton, second husband, Lomer Charette, son, Michael Charette and Grandson, Kelly Jupp.

Visitation will take place at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 pm. The funeral home is located at the corner of Lakeshore Road West and Wilson, one block east of Kerr Street. There is ample parking at the back of the building and the building is wheel chair accessible.

Eve's funeral will take place at Saint Dominic Catholic Church, 2415 Rebecca Street, Oakville, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Operation Smile or the charity of your choice.