River Marianne Evanchuk

River Marianne Evanchuk, age 7, of Sherborn, Massachusetts, and formerly of Roslindale and Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025. Born in Boston, she was the beloved daughter of Courtney (Baigrie) and Darren Evanchuk and best big sister to her brothers, Jack and Cameron Evanchuk. 

In addition to her immediate family, River is survived by her maternal grandmother, Mary Hunt (“Granny”), of Toronto, Canada; her aunt and uncle, Jill and Mark Evanchuk and her cousins, Cassie and Christopher Evanchuk, of Guilderland, NY; her grand aunts and uncles and second cousins in Ontario, Canada, the United States, and Ireland; and by her longtime nurse, Jayme Kelly, and caregiver Sara Kipper Bonfante, both of whom we consider part of our family. She is predeceased by her paternal grandparents, William and Sharon Evanchuk and her maternal grandfather, Dr. Ronald Baigrie (“Grandad”), and survived by Diane Baigrie (“Nana”). 

River had a special soul connection with her Granny, who loved her to the moon and back – they loved nothing more than being in each other’s company. River also shared a special connection with her Grandad, who passed away just a few months ago. Grandad called River his “Viking” and loved her dearly. 

River’s death was sudden and unexpected. She leaves behind a sea of family, friends, teachers, acquaintances and near strangers who are heartbroken by her departure, but who also are forever changed for the better by her very existence on this Earth.  

River displayed remarkable strength during her short life. We knew she was a fighter when she survived a profound and near fatal brain injury at birth. While her injury led to severe cerebral palsy and accompanying physical disabilities, River had an unwavering love of life, which radiated from her every single day.  

River’s physical disabilities gave her a unique perspective on life, and she gave everyone she met an opportunity to share her worldview. River made friends easily and brought out the best in those around her. She was magnetic and joyful and connected with people through her smile, her vocalizations and her laughter.  

River was pure love and light. She had a smile and a laugh that we used to joke could broker world peace. She was social from day one and her favorite thing on earth was hanging out with friends and family. She loved being in the mix. And we all loved her. Her brothers doted on her and made her laugh. Her dad was always her safe space. She loved to cuddle with all of us.  

River had an unparalleled sense of humor. She was a fan of Schitt’s Creek, laughing in all the right places. She laughed heartily at her brothers’ antics and encouraged their mischievous ways. She squealed with delight whenever anyone made a mess (especially her Granny) and loved knocking objects off tables for the reaction.` River loved doing … pretty much everything. She loved going to restaurants, museums, libraries, and movies. She loved dancing and singing along to her favorite songs (especially Taylor Swift songs). She loved to go fast and spin around in her wheelchair. She loved soaring on park swings, swooshing down slides, and swimming in the pool. She loved horses and dogs. She loved books and being read to. She loved pink and purple and princesses and Disney. She loved to learn. 

Perhaps River’s favorite thing of all was school. She spent four glorious years at the Haley Pilot School in Roslindale, Massachusetts, surrounded by a community that showered her with love and embodied the spirit of acceptance. River always looked forward to getting on her morning bus and came home nearly every day wearing a contented smile.  

Every time River walked down the Haley halls with her most loving aide, Ms. Lena, or one of her dedicated teachers or therapists (too numerous to name, and each one a gift to River and us), you could hear the students and teachers call out, “Hi, River.” From her first day of school as a 3-year-old to her joyous and emotional farewell party in December 2024, River was a full-fledged, loved, and important member of the school community. She was encouraged and loved, yes, but also expected to grow. The Haley community believed in River and held her to a high standard. River thrived. 

We will celebrate River’s life on April 6, 2025, from 11am – 2pm at The Garden at Elm Bank (Hunnewell Building) at 900 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA. All are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in River’s memory to Friends of the Haley Pilot School, at https://www.haleypilotschool.org/spc Arrangements are under the care of the Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston.