Obituary Overview
A Life Well Lived
Eileen passed away peacefully on April 24, 2018 after 88 years of a full life. She was born on July 2, 1929 in Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), ON. Eileen moved to Calgary with her parents, Eva and William Mair and her siblings, Bill, Jean and Alec when she was 3. Besides her parents, Eileen is predeceased by her first husband Harry Hood, who died at thirty years of age from cancer, her brothers Bill and Alec, sister Jean, brother-in-law John Lancaster and sister-in-law Jean Mair. She is survived by Gordon, her loving husband and best friend of over 60 years; their sons, John in Calgary, Robert in Harvie Heights, Gordon (Janne) in Toronto, Gary in Red Deer and her grandchildren Zoe, Robin, Rebecca and Alec.
Eileen attended Earl Grey Elementary, Rideau Park Junior and Central High schools. Upon graduation from high school in 1948, Eileen enrolled in a business college course and upon graduation joined the Canadian Pacific Railway office in Calgary. Subsequently she worked for the Land and Legal Department of Shell Canada Resources.
As both a teenager and as an adult Eileen was an active participant in a variety of sports. She loved to ski and did so into her 70’s. She played bridge, curled, and bowled at the Glencoe Club. She was still bowling twice a week at the age of 85 when she had to resign from the Glencoe for health reasons. She was an active member and golfer at the Calgary Golf and Country Club where she served as President of the Ladies Section in 1983-84. After many years of trying, Eileen and Gordon finally won the Brook Trophy, a mixed match play competition in 2008.
Eileen was very involved in the community. She was an Active and latterly a Sustainer member of the Junior League of Calgary. In 1987 the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation recognized Eileen’s distinguished service (1984-1987) as an Officer and Member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. More recently she belonged to the Christ Church Prayer Shawl Ministry until declining health led to her resignation.
Eileen and Gordon were married on February 15, 1958 at Saint George’s in the Pines Anglican Church in Banff. Eileen left Calgary with Gordon and John for Palo Alto, California where Gordon was employed with Stanford Research Institute, an affiliate of Stanford University. After two years the family moved to London, ON and in 1962 the family moved back to Calgary.
Over the years, Eileen and Gordon visited parts of Australia, the United States, Europe and the United Kingdom. Eileen was very proud of her Scottish heritage which resulted in several trips to Scotland to visit New Milns, Ayr where her father was born. When her father died Eileen became the main liaison with the Mair family in Scotland.
One of Eileen and Gordon’s most enjoyable pastimes over the last 50 years was to spend as much time as possible at “the cabin” near Priddis, where they spent endless weekends with family and friends. Eileen never tired of the spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains from the deck and living room.
A private family service will be held at Christ Church, followed by interment at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Eileen’s Life will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the Calgary Golf & Country Club (one block west of Elbow Drive on 50th Avenue SW) from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. [Please note the Country Club has a strict no denim policy] At Eileen’s request please come with a smile and a desire for a happy time. In lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. (2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8) or to the charity of your choice.
The Pearce Family sincerely wishes to thank the Staywell Manor Village staff for the wonderful care Eileen received during her 2 1/2 year residency at Staywell and to extend a very special thanks to the Memory Care staff who looked after Eileen’s needs on a daily basis in a professional and meaningful way.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Eileen Marion Pearce 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta
