Eileen Bridget Dobson

Born on a farm near Newtownsands Co. Kerry, Ireland, Eileen grew up on a family farm known as “Hoeyfield” in Delgany Co. Wicklow. Her parents were Joanna Finucane and John O’Connor. Eileen was the 5th of seven children; Mairead, Maura, Con, Paddy, Dennis and Sean. Her children survive her; Conor (Joanne) and JoAnne (Donovan) as do her grandchildren; Martine, Vincent, Hunter, Piper and Shiloh and her great grandchildren; Braedan, Adrian, Tom, Lucas and Bailey.

Qualified as a nurse at the Meath Hospital in Dublin, she met the “love of her life”, Dr. Tom Dobson, and were married in 1955 and began a life of adventure that eventually led them to Canada; living in British Guiana, Barbados and Anguilla before arriving in St. Albans, Newfoundland, Canada in 1960. From there it was to Rossburn and Neepawa, Manitoba and eventually to Ottawa.

Finally, retiring at Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island in 1985, her “love of her life”, Tom, died a year later. As devastating as it was to lose Tom, Eileen bravely moved on to make the best of her life embracing her new community, parish, and her passion for gardening. She made countless friends, who shared golf, swims, and travels to Europe, the Caribbean and Asia. Her home in Qualicum Beach was a place for many happy family gatherings over the years.

Eileen remained active into her early 90’s, but no longer able to manage at home, moved into the Qualicum Manor in June, 2021. The care she received was commendable, however, her health deteriorated over time and she passed away peacefully on October 14th, 2024. Eileen’s Catholic faith was her Rock from beginning to end. She will be missed.