In loving Memory ~
Growing up, Eileen lived one block away from St. James Elementary School in Calgary, but was often late for class. When asked why, her reply was; "she was engaged in conversation" with a fellow student or teacher/administrator. At a very early age she prioritized people above all else. She was an A student with an eidetic memory. She graduated from the University of Mount Royal and went on to be a Social Worker working with Children Services and then Geriatrics. She then obtained a business education and had a fulfilling professional career. Eileen's love was people, but she also loved animals, especially those that needed rescue. She demonstrated significant empathy and compassion towards others, often referring to close friends as sisters.
Her mentor was a Canadian artist named "Robert Bateman." She could sketch almost as well as him, and got to meet him once, bursting into tears as he was introduced. He later commented that she made him feel like one of the Beatles! Her love of Music and Art was profound. Her faith was strong, her wit sharp, and she was entertaining and supportive until the end, late last December. Eileen loved Creston, mostly because of the people which she characterized as "real" and the scenery being spectacular.
Eileen was predeceased by her father, John Patrick Harland, her grandparents Tom and Eileen Danberger, Auntie Sharon and Uncle Ray Speiss, Auntie Betty and Uncle Jack McArthur, and her childhood buddy, Uncle Taum (Danberger), who encouraged her love of music, piano and cello.
Eileen is survived by her husband, Michael Fitzpatrick, her mother Yvonne Harland, her sister Karen (Matthew), her brother Kevin (Yasuyo) and a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephew's in-laws (and out-laws!)
A special thank you to the Creston Dialysis Unit, the Trail Kidney Unit, the Kelowna General Hospital and all the Doctors, Nurses, and auxiliary staff who looked after Eileen during the last 3 months of her life. God Bless all of you.
Celebration of Life will be at Ericson Covenant Church, 6017 Canyon-Lister Rd, Erickson, BC at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 26th.
Service Details
11:00 AM