de la Ronde, Eileen
1915 - 2010
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing on April 9, 2010 of Eileen, life-long friend, sister, aunt and godmother. She is survived by her sister Mary Cambridge, nephew Simon, nieces Elizabeth and Anne in England; brother Harry Loads in Australia. Left to mourn is her life-long friend Eve Thiessen; and her "adopted" Canadian family, the Thiessens and Reimers. Eileen was born in East Anglia, England June 28, 1915. Her primary and professional education took place in England - her Orthopedic nursing and General hospital (RN) at the Royal London Hospital during World War II. She came to Canada as a war bride in 1946. Her husband Haig died 3 years later. Eileen remained in Canada and worked in Toronto at the General and Sunnybrook Hospitals as well as private duty. A move to Brandon, Manitoba for a post-grad course in Psychiatric Nursing was followed by a Bursary which she was offered to attend McGill University in Montreal to prepare her for a teaching position in Brandon and later in B.C. In Brandon the friendship between Eileen and Eve, a fellow nurse, began and subsequently Eileen was adopted into the extended family of parents, siblings, nieces and nephews. In 1963 Eileen and Eve moved to B.C. They had many adventures before settling in New Westminster, Port Coquitlam and finally in Abbotsford. She retired from Psychiatric Nursing instruction in 1978 after suffering a fractured ankle. Eileen enjoyed camping, travels to England and Europe and exploring Canada and the United States. Her hobbies included calligraphy, sewing and knitting. In 2002 at the age of 88, she developed macular degeneration, so she enrolled in a Braille course for which she received the Grade II Certificate of Achievement. She showed courage and perseverance in the face of extreme adversity at all times. A celebration of Eileen's life will be held Friday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew's Anglican Church, 2010 Guilford Drive, Abbotsford, with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in support of CNIB.
Wiebe & Jeske
Funeral Services 604.859.5885