Eileen Peat

Nellie Pitcher enjoyed a joyous childhood in Newfoundland. She was born in St. John’s, the third of five children of Jacob & Clara Pitcher. Her parents demonstrated their Christian faith through love and generosity, and little Nellie came to faith as a young child. Nellie was blessed with a keen mind, teaching herself to read as a toddler, and excelling in all her studies.

On Nellie’s 14th birthday, the Pitcher family left Newfoundland and made a war-time emigration to Canada, settling in Kitchener, Ontario.

While Eileen (as she was then known) was studying pre-medicine at university in London Ontario she met Archie, and a lifelong romance began. Eileen changed direction in her studies, graduating with a BA degree in preparation for entering ministry. Eileen and Archie married in 1950, then moved to Archie’s home in Victoria, BC ― the first of many moves.

Eileen and Archie entered the Salvation Army Training College (seminary) in Toronto in 1952. After their ordination as Salvation Army Officers (clergy), with a young family, they began their joint ministry which took them throughout Canada and Bermuda until their retirement in 1990. Eileen was an equal partner in preaching and leadership in the churches where they were appointed, impacting hundreds in their Christian walk. Eileen’s brother, sisters and spouses, also Salvation Army Officers, were their closest friends, with strong relationships shared by the cousins.

Eileen always made time for her children, nurturing their talents and supporting their individuality. Eileen and Archie provided a stable, happy home creating wonderful memories of weekday suppers, Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, family games, slide shows, political and theological debates, picnics, camping vacations, and long drives to visit extended family. Music was encouraged and she supported her children’s studies by transcribing many an essay with lightning typing speed along with discussing and challenging the content of the work. She taught each child about Jesus and His love for them.

In retirement Eileen and Archie enjoyed travel and visits with family in New Zealand and Singapore, and Eileen continued to be a gracious hostess to extended family and friends. As Archie’s health declined, Eileen cared for him tenderly, first at home and then visiting daily in a care facility until his passing in 2009.

Eileen faced many health challenges in recent years, but she remained as independent as possible with support of caregivers, family and neighbours. She grieved the loss of her adored brother Arthur and treasured sisters Myrtle, Maude and Ethel as they predeceased her. She continued to enjoy attending church regularly at Cariboo Hill in Burnaby, or at the White Rock Salvation Army.

Family meant the world to Eileen. Her love, wisdom and guidance will be deeply missed by all who loved her. She is survived by her children Sharon (Haydn), David (Robyn), Bob, Brenda (Alf) and Doug (Karen); brother-in-law Ed Deering; grandchildren Daniel, Bethany, Rebecca, Jacob, Stephen, Jono, Dara, Brenda, Karen, Aaron, and Andrew and their spouses; and adored great-grandchildren Sarah, Emily, Stella, Ayden, Archie, Clara, and Noah. We all rejoice that Eileen is at peace, safe in the arms of our Heavenly Father.