Una Maclean Evans, former city councillor, dies at age 88
A veteran of the Second World War and three-term member of city council from 1966 to 1974, UnaMaclean Evans had an impact on her world and on the city of Edmonton.
The 88-year-old former city councillor died Tuesday after of a life of community engagement and personal curiosity.
Maclean Evans was also a citizenship court judge, a broadcaster, and a political leader as president of the Liberal party of Canada in Alberta.
A member of city council, she was instrumental in establishing Edmonton’s LRT network, and in securing the 1978 Commonwealth Games.
As a wife and mother of three young children, MacLean Evans forged a path not taken by many in her day.
City of Edmonton historian laureate Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail says Maclean Evans was doing all of this in the 1960s and 1970s, “when not a lot of women were visible in political roles."
She says women during that time usually “didn’t work once they had kids, let alone run for public office.”
“Regardless of your political stripe,” says Metcalfe-Chenail. "I think people today, especially young women, see her as an example of pursuing your passion and being an active citizen looking to make positive changes in society."
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, at the Royal Glenora Club.
