Eva (Giesbrecht) Kallhood

Eva (nee Giesbrecht) was born in Hague Saskatchewan, to Isaac and Nettie Giesbrecht.  As a child she and the family made many trips between Saskatchewan and BC, travelling over the Rockies in a 1928 Pontiac.  She often talked of being in three different schools in Grade 5. 

The family settled in the Lower Mainland when she was a young girl, and there she found her first employment in a fish cannery and then the Vancouver airport.  As a young woman she travelled to Ootsa Lake to visit her cousin Ann Bennett.  She and Ann visited Telkwa, and there she met Jack Kallhood. She married Jack in Telkwa in 1953, and in 1954 their first daughter Linda was born in the Smithers hospital.  The family moved to Vancouver in 1956 and had 3 more children, Dale (1956), Kim (1958) and Jean (1960).

Eva came to Burns Lake in 1965, and although she thought she would only be here for a short time, it turned out not to be the case. Within 18 months the family purchased their home on Gerow Island, which belonged to Eva’s mom and dad. It became her home for life. 

Jack died in 1980, and Eva decided to take up hairdressing.  She bought the Syndi-Kutt Hair Salon in the Lakeview Mall and went to Vancouver to take her training at Vancouver City College. She was owner, operator and hairdresser until 2001. While in Vancouver she met Ben Staebe, who became her new life partner.  Ben passed in 1998, they had 18 years together filled with golf, dancing and travel.

Eva was an avid walker, you would often see her crossing the Gerow Island Bridge, walking Spirit Square or the town track.  She and Ben took up golf in their 50’s and enjoyed playing whenever they could – even across the frozen lake in her back yard!

Eva spent time with others playing cards, curling, quilting, carpet bowling, singing in the choir.  She also volunteered for local organizations – she especially enjoyed flipping hamburgers at the Fall Fair.  And she didn’t give up hairdressing – she had a salon in her home until 2020 when Covid hit and the family told her it was time to hang up the scissors.  She was 88.

Eva is survived by her sister Martha; her children Linda, Dale, Kim (John),) and Jean (Bruce); grandchildren Katie, Marleigh, Lindsay, Tim, Logan, Jody and Tanis.  She had 4 great grandchildren, Max, Jayce, Levi and Beau.  She loved her family dearly and did everything she could to support them. She loved to hear about all the family comings and goings.

Eva was a strong individual that made sure her children were well launched into the world.  She had a sharp wit, and boundless energy.  She could put a meal together for a large family gathering in the blink of an eye, and she insisted that there was always room for one more at the table. 

Mom – we will miss you so much.  We were so blessed to have you as our mother. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 22, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the Decker Lake Hall.  Join the family to share memories and enjoy Happy Hour.  Eva always looked forward to her glass of wine at the end of a busy day.  

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