Eileen was born in Lequille, Nova Scotia in the beautiful Annapolis Valley. She was brought up in a large, loving family – she had six siblings – Corey, Kay, Marion, Frank, Edward and Linwood Junior (unfortunately only Edward and Linwood Jr. are still with us). Eileen was from a humble background but her parents, Linwood and Emily, brought her up in a Christian home that believed in the values of kindness and compassion. She lived out those values throughout her life. She experienced prejudice because of her humble background and saw the abuse that Afro-Canadians experienced in her community – these experiences caused her to reject all prejudice and racism.
She went to school in Annapolis Royal and made many friends – some of whom she kept in touch with throughout her life. Her father went away for five years during World War Two and she missed him in her teenage years. As a young woman, she went to Halifax to start a new life – she had many adventures there and met many new friends. It was in Halifax that she met her husband, Donald, who was in the Navy. It was also in Halifax that she gave birth to her only son, Randy. She loved being a Mom and was good at it. She was also a loving, maternal presence to her many nieces and nephews.
In 1970 she started a new life as she moved, with her husband and son, to Toronto. She worked at many jobs – her kind, warm presence helped her to make many friends at these jobs. She was very active in her church – the Church of St Bede Scarborough – and she was a faithful servant there, for nearly fifty years. She also said that her Church friends were like a second family. She took many trips over the years – to England and Scotland, Hawaii, Florida and her beloved Nova Scotia.
When her husband passed away(35 years ago) she had the strength to carry on – being a great friend to many and a great Mom. She loved her daughter law, Helen, and her grandchildren – Lisa (and Paul) , David (and Siobhan) and Stephen (and Soula). She was a great great-grandmother (GGma) to Jonathan, Aiblin, Faye and William. She loved the Blue jays and I am sure she is now somewhere cheering “Let’s Go Blue Jays.”
She lived a good, independent life up to a couple of weeks before her passing. She died at peace and had no regrets. She will be missed by those who were touched by her loving presence. In her own words “she is now at rest with her Lord.”
There will be a Memorial Service in the coming weeks. A donation, in Eileen’s honor, may be made to the Church of St. Bede, Scarborough, 79 Westbourne Ave. M1L 2Y6 or a charity of your choice.
Offer Condolence for the family of Eileen Frances Barclay 1930-2021
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Eileen Frances Barclay 1930- 2021..
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Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario