Eva Cantwell Haslam

Eva Cantwell Haslam died of a broken heart on November 22, 2004 after the passing of her husband of 71 years just six weeks ago. This sweet gentle woman was born to Stephen and Mabel Pilkington Cantwell on April 5, 1914. She was the youngest of their four children. Her sisters Naomi Dowdle and Blanche Bingham preceded her in death. Lawrence Cantwell, her only brother and wonderful friend lives in Smithfield. As a young woman Eva was beautiful and spirited with a zest for life. She loved her many friends and was happiest when with them. They shared their dreams and their secrets and tempted fate racing up and down Smithfield Canyon when they could get a car. She danced through life whether on the stage, the ballroom floor or in the kitchen when the right song came on. She had a passion for beautiful clothes and high heeled ankle strap slippers. She left a closet full behind. She found self reliance early as her mother?s ill health and her father?s cattle buying trips made this necessary. She formed a strong bond with her sister Blanche as she became her support forming a rare and enduring friendship. At sixteen she saw a picture in her brothers High School yearbook of a handsome young man. She bought his picture for $.25 and the romance began. Two years later on February 13, 1933 she married Henry Haslam in Lewiston. This was later made eternal in the Logan LDS Temple. Getting married during the depression brought them many difficult years. Their ability to stay together was greatly challenged as they worked through life?s problems. The birth of their son filled life with hope and she began to rely on her many strengths. To Eva?s great disappointment she was able to have only two children, so she had both kinds. A son; Clair Diane Haslam, and a daughter; Marilyn Ted Boman both of Smithfield. She declared them to be the best. Eva was a tiny woman with a large and generous heart. She embraced motherhood completely, devoting her life to her family. She later enlarged her circle to include eleven grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren and all lucky enough to marry into her care. Her prayers were relied on by all of us, as she surely had a direct line to heaven. The word ?club? brought great fear and trembling to the family as the house was cleaned and food prepared for this great event. Good friends meeting together for over 60 years. How she loved those times together. Thank you all for being her friend. Her sewing machine rarely stopped humming as she clothed her family, most often out of necessity, but also for the enjoyment. She was forever remodeling or fixing something, nothing discarded. She found a use for everything. Eva had a great reverence for nature. The mountains brought her peace, flowers bloomed at her touch, and all animals were welcome at her door. Her home became a refuge where most found a home under her nurturing care. Her love of the Savior and His gospel helped her while serving in many callings. A favorite being Drama Director in the old Smithfield 3rd Ward where three act plays were a yearly highlight. She worked tirelessly in Relief Society and sang in the Ward Choir for many years. She never sought recognition preferring to stay in the shadows quietly doing what was asked of her. Those who were lucky enough to get to know her well, loved her. Her truest calling was simply in the example of the life she led. Perhaps her greatest challenges came in enduring to the end. Her concern for Henry and caring for him filled her days and nights. At times her needs were greater than his, as he then cared for her. Their unselfishness and devotion was an inspiration for those who lived within their reach. When Henry was no longer under her care her life held no great meaning for her. She happily took his hand and walked with him through the veil. Eva?s Testimony never wavered. She stood firm and strong and true to her beliefs. Her faith in her Father in Heaven carried us all. How blessed we all were to live in her presence. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 27, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. in the Smithfield 10th & 13th Ward Chapel, 345 East 300 South, Smithfield, with Bishop Rick Toolson conducting. There will be a viewing prior to services from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Smithfield City Cemetery. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com