“No one loved making a piece of theatre more than Eva. She was a joy to know.”

“She was an absolute force! Eva threw her whole self into every production.”

“No one alive in Nova Scotia's theatre scene in the 80's, 90's and beyond, would have not crossed paths with Eva Moore.” 

"She was unapologetically unintimidated," which is to say, she was unapologetically Eva Moore. So spoke tribute after tribute that poured out on social media, in emails, phone calls and texts following Eva Jane's final curtain call on December 28, 2025, at Andy's House, Hospice Muskoka. Her most graceful, peaceful bow yet, with her daughter and dear friends lovingly, gently applauding, a mix of her Fadder's favourite songs playing her out.

Born May 19th, 1944, in Halifax to Phillip and Julia "Jewel" (Durnford) DeGruchy of Rencontre West, NL, Eva grew up in Eastern Passage and Dartmouth alongside her spirited younger sister, Gloria. She attended the College of Trades and Technology in Halifax, working a variety of jobs: dental assistant, vet assistant, even a Flecto Flooring presenter! In the late 60's, Eva's future came a knockin' via her hairdresser, Stuart, who invited her to audition for a community theatre group, the Dartmouth Players. Winning the part of a dancing girl, at 22, she caught the acting bug, falling in love with all facets of the magic of “play,” as castmates, directors, and audiences alike fell in love with her. Who could blame them! Highly intelligent, deeply talented, fearless, and astonishingly beautiful to behold with her own brand of moxy, she was lit up! We were the moths to her flame. She'd grab you with that wicked grin and knowing glint in her eye, with her glow of certainty that this was the very best idea to be had! There really was no one like her.

If she wasn't acting, she was stage managing, producing, directing, working her way up to become President and Artistic Director of Dartmouth Players and Theatre Arts Guild. This led to a 20-year role as the guiding light/Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Drama League (now Theatre Nova Scotia). Craftily, handily, she knit together her passion for the arts and community, and successfully cast that NSDL net wide to provincial, national, and international stages. She gathered and collected folks from every walk of life, including, involving, connecting them in pursuit of a common goal because that's how you create community; it was her relentless belief in you that was her magic touch. "You can do this. I've got you. I will not make you look a fool." She didn't. She had the gift of encouraging young and old from all walks of life to do the impossible.

Looking back at her time at NSDL, this is my Mother in a nutshell: must attend in person amateur theatre productions all across Nova Scotia/Canada/Europe and beyond; must introduce Nova Scotian grown productions to national and international stages competing at the National Multicultural Theatre Association and International Amateur Theatre Association (IATA) festivals, win awards for Best Production to boot; buy a Salvation Army building and transform it into the Cunard St. Theatre - Halifax's only alternative, affordable amateur and professional performance space in 1985; must run musical theatre summer camps for teens; whip up the bi-annual Liverpool International Theatre Festival which will continue to run into the 2020's and beyond (it does); host the Great Canadian Theatre Festival in '88 and World Theatre Festival in '03; fundraise for a year to fly the Young People Players, NSDL's company of gnarly yout's, to perform in Moscow and Soviet Georgia; while we're at it, let's fire up an annual fundraising event celebrating community theatre and call it the All-Star Fantasy Frolic, offering musicals such as The Wizard of Oz, Annie, Grease, The Music Man, and we'll feature folks who are in the public eye locally and nationally, and foster blossoming future musical theatre careers, which she did in spades. She also served for 8 years as an IATA council member on the fundraising committee. “Eva was a terrific speaker, the voice of common sense! She had a presence, was capable, no task was too much,” recalls Irish council member and dear friend, Mary Pears. “She was a fine representative for the Arts in general, but especially for Community Theatre across the board, able to discuss the wide spectrum that is the performing arts.”

"Eva the Diva" was a 25-year breast cancer survivor and a proud former member of the Bosom Buddies Dragon Boat racing team. "I truly believe what doesn't kill you makes you stronger." She believed that. She lived it. The personal battles she faced at that time, cancer and losing her Dad, ushered in a new era. Saying goodbye to NSDL and Nova Scotia, she returned to her family's roots in Newfoundland to pursue her passion for directing at the Stephenville Theatre Festival.

Resting comfortably in her bed at Andy's House, the day before she passed, Mum lit up as she vividly shared the journey that brought her to Bala, Ontario, her beloved home for the past 16 years. Her most cherished professional role was as Artistic Director of STF, founded in the early 80's by her close friend, my “Auntie Max,” the late Maxim Mazumdar. Directing Chicago, Nunsense, Heave Away - which she brought to Matsue, Japan, to perform in the Toyama International Amateur Theatre Festival - you name it, she did it. However, the off-season was challenging. Ever the adventurer, in the winter of 2010, she rented a place in Bala where her bestie of over 40 years, Annette Procunier resided, and where she could be “close to my kids,” as we had moved to Toronto. It may come as no surprise that when she discovered Bala was home to Canada's first professional summer stock repertory company in 1934, The New Actor's Colony Theatre was born in 2011, with herself and Annette at the helm, guiding an inspired group of local volunteers. It may also come as no surprise that at the tender age of 81, she retired as Bala’s Librarian, another much beloved role, after 10 years of service. She struggled with her decision to leave the job that brought her so much joy, being surrounded by rows of books, connecting her love of reading with her love of community, “I started working at 14, this will be my 3rd summer off in all that time.”

She was a feisty, trailblazing single Mum in 1973; a certified fundraiser; winner of American Association of Community Theatre’s Mort Clark International Achievement Award and Outstanding Cultural Executive by the Cultural Federations of NS; lover of four-legged furry friends, she was rarely without a dog in the house; avid gardener; Bala Legion member; wickedly quick-witted, her sarcasm legendary; infectious laugh that echoes through the ages; shock of hair dyed purple with ever polished purple fingernails; wearer of all things sparkly; director with “an iron fist in a velvet glove;” and if you weren't careful, she might tap the back of your hand with a hot teaspoon, or steal the most delicious truffle you’ve ever eaten out of your hand, popping it deftly into her mouth, eyes dancing impishly.

Of all the roles she deftly played in her 81 years, none was more prized, fulfilling, and likely challenging - hello 16! - than her role as Mom. As longtime friend Kelly-Ruth Mercier recalls, “The friendship you and your Mom shared was special. I admired it. And love - yes love, oodles and oodles of it - but it was the stalwart fierceness of her admiration of “you” that was so clear. She was proud of her daughter, but admired the woman…the glint in her eye when she looked at you, it was just for you. But I saw it - we all did.” Mum. Mama. My best friend and confidante. My role model who was unconditional, unwavering in her love and support. When her long-hoped-for grandchild, “Lilybean Jellybean,” arrived on the scene, Nan-Nan's life felt complete. Sitting on the edge of her bed before we left for Andy's House, as I stood silently facing her, she looked towards the bedroom door. “Well, we’ve had some adventures, you and I.” Yes, Mama. We sure have.

As Auntie Joey recalls, which captures her spirit perfectly, “My sister Eva once said, “aging gracefully is like old cheese, rather ripe and slightly offensive!“

It's difficult to fathom that such a legendary spitfire as my Mum has moved on from this earthly plane. Bidding Eva Jane a most loving farewell is myself, her daughter Julia Moore, the apple of her eye granddaughter Lily Manuel, sister Gloria “Joey” Winters (George), nephews Philip Winters (Lori), Christopher Winters (Jill), grandnephew and niece Curtis and Hannah, cherished cousins, “Udder Fargin’ Kids” and a wide circle of most excellent friends. We her family wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the “Bala bubble,” her treasured circle of mates (Henny, Nancy, Jim, Mary, Doug), who were an incredible support especially the last couple years of her life; to Andy's House/Hospice Muskoka for your warmth and depth of care, and to Heather Jamieson NP, with whom Mum felt meaningful connection. Eva was the first patient of their Hospice at Home program, for which she was deeply grateful. She felt safe at Andy's House. Can't ask for more than that.

Cremation has taken place.and a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In Eva’s memory, donations may be made to Hospice Muskoka (https://www.hospicemuskoka.com/andyshouse), to Bosom Buddies  (https://www.bosombuddies.ca/), or to an organization that speaks to you.