Eileen Charlotte Hill

Hill, Eileen Charlotte passed away, surrounded by members of her family, after a brief hospital stay on Friday May 18, 2012 at Kelowna General Hospital. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, George; her three children, Nadine (Bruce Elson) , Sandra (John Graham) and David (Mariann); grandchildren Monica (Ryan ) Floden, Dominic Elson, Molly and Keara Graham, Liam and Erik Hill; great-grandchild Iris Floden; siblings Marion Clarke, Harry (Fran) Clarke and Ruby Shanley. She was predeceased by her parents, a young brother Johnny, and in 2010, her sister, Mary Lavender. Born in 1935, she was the last of 6 children born at Star City, SK to Irish immigrant parents David and Mary Anne Clarke. She took her early schooling at the rural one-room Oriole School, high school at Star City and Saskatoon SK, and trained to become a registered nurse at Saskatoon City Hospital. Eileen married her high school sweetheart, George in September 1957 and 6 months later moved to Estevan, SK. They remained in Estevan for the next 29 years where George established a thriving law practise and successful businesses, while Eileen raised their three children and made a home. Following George’s career moves, they moved to Regina, SK in 1987 and Kelowna, BC in 1993. They remained in Kelowna after retirement.

Eileen was very talented in the art of homemaking. She loved her homes in all three cities, and worked hard to make them beautiful and inviting. She was talented in the domestic arts of sewing, knitting, and gardening, but she particularly excelled as a cook. She loved to cook and entertain, and that combination made her an excellent hostess.

She had an incredible work ethic and a strong sense of community. She was a tireless volunteer for a number of organizations over the years including the Anglican Church holding a number of positions with the church at local, diocesan and national levels, the Canadian Blood Services, and the Order of the Eastern Star. Many years ago, she organized a potluck and bridge club at her church in Kelowna. The members continue to meet monthly to enjoy good food and fellowship.

Eileen was bit by the travel bug in 1967 when she made her first trip to Ireland to visit the land of her parents. Family was very important to Eileen and that included her extended Irish family. She made 23 trips to Ireland. Her last trip to Ireland was last fall for an Irish family wedding. She loved to travel and in addition to Ireland, she visited a myriad of countries with George or other family members.

Eileen had a number of health challenges over the years but never complained and never spoke of the challenges to others. She was a three time cancer survivor. Although she astonished her family and the medical community alike by her indomitable will to survive, it was her strong faith in God that sustained her.

A memorial service to celebrate and honour the life of Eileen Hill will be held on Saturday, May 26 at 2pm at the Anglican Cathedral of St. Michael and All Angels, 608 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, the Very Reverend Nissa Basbaum officiating. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the St Michael and All Angels Anglican Cathedral Building Fund in Kelowna, BC or St. Giles’ Anglican Church Building Fund in Estevan, SK. Arrangements are under the care of First Memorial Funeral Services