EILEEN LOIS HOLDEN

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EILEEN LOIS HOLDEN
March 13, 1922 - February 20, 2022

Eileen passed away just short of her 100th birthday on February 20, 2022.
Mom is survived by her five sons, Robert, Earl (Val), Kent (Leslie), Darrel (Sharlene), Blair (Nancy), 15 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great- grandchild plus many relatives in England, of which mom was the last of her generation to pass.
Mom was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Elwood, grandson Curtis Holden, daughter-in-law Debbie (Bob), brother Ron and sisters, Dorothy and Winn in England.
Eileen was born March 13, 1922 to Bastable and Emily Martin in Lewissham District, County London. Mom lived in London during the bombing of the Second World War working in the military payroll office. In 1945 Eileen met Elwood in England while he was in officer training after the Italian campaign. Mom and Dad where married three short months later on July 21, 1945. Mom had to wait until the following year when she was allowed to travel to Canada as a war bride. Mom sailed alone, at the age of 23 on the Aquitania to Halifax arriving at Pier 21. Mom then travelled by steam train to Winnipeg arriving July 1, 1946. Together mom and dad raised five sons through good times and bad. Mom spent many years working at Eatons.
After dad's passing in 2005, mom insisted on living independently. After suffering a broken leg and several falls, (mom had to have her way) even though she needed support from family members (Kent, Leslie, Bob, granddaughter Candice and others). Mom had a fall at home on December 24, 2021 and was in Seven Oaks Hospital for seven weeks with a broken pelvis and fractured ribs. While in hospital, mom fell again and was transferred to Grace Hospital with a broken hip. Mom passed away days later with Candice and Bob by her side. Candice insured that loved ones could say goodbye via FaceTime. COVID restrictions did have a very negative effect on mom's physical and mental health.
Mom was known for her fashion sense and coordination of shoes, jewellery, purses, clothing and hair style (Nice and Easy R5). It was important even on the way to the hospital that she wanted her makeup bag plus hairbrush to go with her. Mom loved shopping the Home Shopping Channel and enjoyed her trips to Winners.
We would like to thank the hospital staff, nurses and doctors at Seven Oaks and Grace hospitals for their kindness and caring. We know that mom was a very stubborn 99-year-old and was very difficult at times. We would also like to thank her neighbour and friend Ann Giesbrecht for checking in and visiting her in her final years. The family will always be grateful for your kindness and friendship.
Funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Viewing will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Glen Lawn Cemetery.

Family and friends may sign a
book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca.
Glen Lawn Funeral Home
204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 26, 2022