Eileen Christine Carlson

Book of Wisdom, 8:29

Eileen’s grand adventure began sooner than anticipated, as she arrived prematurely, May 30, 1937, the first-born daughter of Lydia and Christian Mohr. Sleeping in a shoebox on the oven door, Eileen credits her Grandmother for keeping her warm and alive.

Even as toddlers, Eileen and her sister’s musical talents were recognized and shared, as the girls frequently performed musical numbers. Eileen’s glorious soprano voice enhanced many church choirs and her “Cup of Joy” solo and “Star of the East” duet with her sister with their mom accompanying on piano, were the showstoppers for every family Christmas carol singing.

Eileen’s peripatetic childhood and youth took her from Neudorf to Girvin to Pennant to Leask and Kinistino. Her impressive intellect meant she skipped two grades and graduated from high school at 16. Too young to attend university, Eileen worked while she waited to enroll, as a babysitter, Sunday School teacher, and cleaner, before moving to Saskatoon.

Eileen graduated in 1958 as a Registered Nurse, proud to be part of the second nursing class to graduate from the University Hospital School of Nursing. She then worked for two years in the Watrous and Kinistino hospitals (at the latter, had the great fun of being her mom’s boss, as her mom was a nurse’s aid) then travelled to the British Isles and continental Europe for a year of adventuring with two friends. Upon returning, she continued her life-long learning by obtaining a Diploma in Teaching, and for six years, influenced countless lives and careers as a medical-surgical clinical instructor at University Hospital. Eileen maintained meaningful friendships with many of her “Nursing Buddies”—50 plus years later, they still regularly convene to celebrate birthdays and brag about children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Eileen’s future was forever changed following a Halloween Party in 1965, which she attended with Wayne Carlson, a tall, dark-haired history teacher originally from Meacham. A shared love of music, reading, all things travel and their Lutheran faith, combined with a devotion to family, friends and community service, became the foundation for their almost 57 years of love and laughter, officially beginning with their marriage on August 20, 1966.

During their ten years in Saskatoon, Eileen and Wayne welcomed two daughters, who grew up attending Sunday School, learning piano, enjoying holidays in Disneyland, Hawaii, annual camping trips, and attending Saskatoon Symphony concerts, Broadway musicals, the odd opera, and listening to CBC (even if said two daughters didn’t fully appreciate the opera or that radio programming until much later in life).

Eileen excelled at stay-at-home parenting, inspiring and nurturing her young daughters in every way, especially in her unique musical way, while also tutoring, casual general-duty relief teaching, and continuing her education, attaining her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, from the University of Saskatchewan, in 1977.

Yet another small town, Allan, welcomed Eileen and family in 1978. Eileen began a new career as library technician at Allan School. She was also the unofficial school nurse, tutor, choir director, pianist and social convener for many staff functions in her 20 years on staff.

As in every community Eileen called home, she was an avid and visible and committed volunteer, investing her time and talents at weekly shifts at the Wheatland library, First Responder, fund raising, advocating for the Seniors Group, and always extending her friendship to newcomers and long-time residents.

Joining the retiree ranks in 2000 (catching up to Wayne), Eileen and Wayne took immense pleasure in devoting their time and energy as grandparents to Alexa.

Retirement also meant more travel plus time at their East Trout Lake cabin, the joys of family wine-tours, adventures around Saskatchewan to appreciate and continue learning about the province she loved to call home, and eventually returning to live in Saskatoon in 2013, reunited with the Fraser Crescent crew and Allan Birthday Bunch who also chose to retire to the city.

Since that move, Eileen was active with the social committee in their apartment building, Bible studies, church volunteering, (more) travel, and being our favorite book reviewer, always curious about what anyone was reading, and diligently recording her favorites and lists for future reads in her book lover’s journal.

Eileen mastered retirement, with ongoing volunteer work, and of course, learning. She toured a mosque, so keen to understand other religions; took an astronomy course, perhaps inspired by her favorite book, The Little Prince; studied Spanish and German for kicks; and became awfully proficient with iPhones and iPads, regularly upgrading to ensure she had the latest and greatest technology.

Eileen had a gift and immense capacity for happiness and love. She could, and always did, find the good in everyone and everything, and inspired the rest of us to embrace that same zest for life. From her innermost being, she was dedicated to love and kindness, and delivering that to many who needed it, and wrapping up her love and care with her gentle humor and quick wit.

Eileen’s strong faith meant she was sure she’d be reunited with all those she has been missing: her parents, her sister, her in-laws, her cousins and most recently, her great-grandson Levi. Eileen will be forever celebrated and cherished by her husband Wayne, daughters Christine (FSIL Glenn), Karen, grandchildren Alexa, Logan (Elise), Parker, Aidan, and great grandson, Pius.

At Eileen’s request, her family acknowledges and thanks Dr. McDonald and everyone at LifeCrest Medi Clinic, Darren and the team at Walker’s Pharmacy, and the Palliative Care support group of nurses, both in home and those at the Hospice.

If inspired, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations whose mission aligns with Eileen’s values:

• The Saskatoon Tribal Council (specifically the housing initiative)

• The Salvation Army

• The Hospice at Glengarda

The most thoroughly wasted of all days is that in which one has not laughed.

-Nicholas Chamfort

Eileen’s Funeral Service is at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 31, 2023 at Augustana Lutheran Church (1201 Broadway Avenue, Saskatoon). For those unable to attend please visit https://youtube.com/live/jJrfYUTMHbI to view the service.

Arrangements entrusted to David Polzen