Eileen Rose Cowell

There are two markers Eileen approximated, but missed. She stood just shy of five feet and didn’t achieve her century celebration. None the less, at 4’11’ and 96 years old, she proved to be the last one standing. Eileen was born in Brantford Ontario in 1924. She was the youngest of eleven children born to William and Ellen Grieve. The full household provided companions and conspirators for Eileen. She made mischief with her brother Wilf and was mothered by her older sisters. The family bonds grew into bonds of friendship throughout adulthood. Her life was filled with memories of her home and siblings. And as said, she outlived them all.

Eileen delighted in seven decades of marriage with Ken Cowell. They met just before WW II at an ice skating party. Eileen got his attention by falling on the ice and needed a masculine rescue. Ken was quick to help! It was said for years, that they literally fell in love. There have been whispered rumours that the fall was intentional. Ken and Eileen married in 1945 and set up home in Brantford. It wasn’t too long before their house was filled with family - first Carolyn, then Scott and finally Miriam. Eileen was known for her organized manner of running the household. Each day of the week had a chore. If it was Monday, you would see clothes on the line. Tuesday meant ironing. Wednesday, the dusting was cared for. Thursday through Saturday all had a priority. Sunday was saved for church and family roast beef dinner. Her eye for neatness and detail applied to her personal appearance as well. Her hair was never out of place. It was a priority (obsession!) passed on to the children.

Ken and Eileen enjoyed road trips. Sunday afternoons meant backroad explorations. In later years, a trailer was hooked up to the car and Eileen helped Ken navigate holidays. She was not a driver herself, but she knew how it should be done. Their sense of adventure often included a moving truck. They made their homes in Ontario, Alberta, California and British Columbia.

Eileen had a surprising competitive streak. Many games of “Phase 10” or “Three 13” would end with a silent sly smile as she laid down her winning card. Her iPad always had a game of Scrabble going on with more than one person at the same time. She kept track of her win/loss totals. Eileen had an ear for music. In her youth, she had played in the Fife & Drum band and once, even got to lead the parade. She would balance her Hawaiian guitar on her lap and play, less like a concert and more for personal delight. When she did play, it was a hymn that you heard.

Eileen and Ken came to faith after the war. Jesus became the Guide and strength for her life and family. While attending Prairie Bible Institute, Ken and Eileen considered missionary service but found their fulfillment in serving their local congregation. Eileen looked upon her family as her mission. She extended grace when needed and embraced the family as it grew by marriage. Eileen had a commitment to prayer. You knew that she would hold your name before God’s Throne consistently. She was generous to the work and workers of God’s Kingdom. Eileen had a love for Jesus and a hope for others to share the same devotion.

Ken and Eileen moved into Tabor Court Assisted Living Abbotsford in 2010. Ken’s health declined until his passing in 2015. Eileen learned how to shape a new way of living alone. Her health was stable until the last few months, when her longing for heaven intensified. Her frame grew smaller but her desire never waned. She had a love for her family and a love for her Lord. Her passing marks a transition for those who remain. The last of her family. The last parent of our family. The sourness of sorrow is mixed with the sweetness of hope. Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me, though they die, yet will they live.”

Eileen Rose Cowell lives.

Carolyn and Bruce Johnson

Scott and Patti Cowell

Miriam and Scott Tolhurst