It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eileen Elizabeth Burns, age 73, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, on Sunday, November 1, 2020.
Eileen was born January 30, 1947, and lived most of her life in Sydney. She was the daughter and eldest child of the late Edgar and Eileen (Norkett) Burns.
Eileen graduated from St. F.X. in 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts. She later received a Master of Arts from Dalhousie University and a Master of Education from St. F.X. She had a long career as an educator and started employment with the Cape Breton District School Board in 1973. She taught both French language and English literature. When she retired in 2018,with 45 years of service, she had been the principal of Malcolm Munroe Junior High for many years. She was not only a great administrator, but her interest and caring for all her students was her primary focus. She always said they needed to feel welcome, safe, and fairly treated. She accomplished that in an exceptional manner. That was a big part of the “Malcolm Magic”.
At home, Eileen spent much time caring for her parents in their later years. She was a great cook and baker and prepared many good meals for her family members. Her main hobby was gardening and she spent much time creating several perennial gardens of day lilies, English roses, peonies, foxglove, and hollyhocks. She liked the outdoors and for many years was an avid skier and tennis player. In later years, a day or two at the beach in Mabou, walking, reading, and swimming gave her much pleasure.
Eileen is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ken Garland. She was the love of his life for 53 years. He was the love of her life also and showed it in numerous ways. Eileen is also survived by brothers, Peter Burns (Elizabeth), Halifax, Frank Burns (Myrene), Calgary, and Joseph Burns, Irish Cove, as well as brothers-in-law, Ron Garland in Sydney and Barry Garland (Jennifer), Guelph, Ontario. She is survived by nephews and nieces with whom she had a close and loving relationship, Edgar Burns, Eileen Burns, Francis Burns, Michael Burns, Patrick Garland, and Katherine Garland.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a visitation on Monday, November 9th from 4-7 p.m. at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Welton St. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, November 10th at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church in Sydney River with Rev. William Burke officiating.
The family wishes to thank the staff of 4C, Cape Breton Cancer Centre, and Palliative Care Services at the Regional Hospital for their care and attention.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Eileen’s memory may be made to Cape Breton’s new Cancer Center project. (www.becauseyoucare.ca/CB-Cancer-Centre)
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Eileen Elizabeth Burns 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia