Died March 11, 2021, Victoria, BC
Born October 25, 1924 in the family home on Dallas Road to Archie and Lydia Wills, well known Victorians. She was predeceased in 2006 by her husband Dr. David A Wilson and by her beloved daughter Jane Elizabeth Eade in 1996. She is survived by her son Roger (Malim) in Houston, TX and grandsons, David (Sarah Therese), Craig (Daniela Trigo), both in Houston, and Andrew, in New York, and by Graeme Eade (Jane’s son) in Toronto. Also, daughter Ann who has been a great support to her mother in recent years. Eileen spent her early years in Victoria attending Sir James Douglas, Vic High and Vic College in Craigdarroch Castle where she and David met on the Students’ Council and started a life partnership. She graduated from University of British Columbia in 1945 and worked for the Department of Health and Welfare of BC. She and David were married in 1947 in Metropolitan United Church when David had completed his wartime service in the Navy and had returned to university. In 1949 David was encouraged to take a PhD in resource economics, as a new study offered in the US. They lived almost five years in Berkeley, California to accomplish this, taking two-year-old Roger to start and having Jane while living in California. Eileen worked during this time for the Marchant Calculating Machine Company when the computer age was just beginning – an interesting time. In 1954 they moved to Montreal, where another daughter, Ann, was born. They moved to Ottawa for six years and then returned to Montreal, spending nearly 40 years in the east. These were wonderful years, for the family and Eileen found much to occupy her time. During the referendum campaigns in Quebec, she worked to see that Canada remained a part of the country and she did a lot of volunteer work in different fields – University Women’s, and as an active volunteer member of symphony and arts groups. Returning to Victoria after David’s retirement in 1989, she kept up her work with the church and cultural groups, being on their boards and committees. She and David travelled on many business and personal trips, making for an interesting and exciting life. She also travelled on her own when an opportunity came along to satisfy a desire or see something different. She was always proud of her family and their wonderful development in different fields. Thanks to sister Dorothy and her late husband George Little in Calgary and their family, brother Ken Wills and their daughter Pam Mccaghey and her husband Duffs, sisters-in-law Margaret Eby and Irene Booth, all of Victoria, with whom she shared many pleasurable times. Thanks also to her old Victoria school friends who, after all those years away, welcomed her back so kindly.
Donations to a charity of one’s choice, thankfully received. A private family service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Ruth Walker
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Laurie Banfield I met Eileen in 2013 when I joined her Chapter of P.E.O. She was at the Kensington and we had a few meetings in their large room. She was a long time member of P.E.O. and even though unable to attend in the last few years she is remembered fondly.
Laurie Banfield Chapter AA-AB
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Marilyn M. Clarkson Dear Ann,
I was truly sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. At one time we were both members of the P.E.O. Sisterhood- Eileen for many years and most of her old friends have predeceased her. We were last together at the Kensington Independent Seniors Residence in Victoria where she is lovingly remembered by the residents and staff who knew her.
Marilyn M. Clarkson
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Joanne and Neil McInnes Dear Anne, Roger and family.
We just wanting to let you know that we are thinking about you on the loss of your mother, Eileen. I still have a delightful, little carved fisherman she sent me one year from Quebec and I think of her when I see it.
Joanne and Neil McInnes
My sympathies to all the family at this sad time. Although I only met Eileen a few years ago and only knew her briefly through our P.E.O. connections, I always enjoyed visiting with her. May you all find comfort in knowing so many others care.