With great sadness we announce that our family matriarch passed away peacefully on April 15, 2020 at 97 years of age.
Eileen was born on New Years day in Glasgow Scotland. She was a Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother and is survived by six children; Graham (Kathleen), Margaret (Milton deceased), Frederick Gordon, Kenneth (Kathy), Catherine (Harvey), Laurie. She also has – 17 Grandchildren and 28 Great Grandchildren. Eileen was predeceased by parents Margaret Thomson (Dymock) and David Spence Thomson (who arrived on Nadleh Whuten territory from Glasgow in 1927), along with brothers, Stewart and Eric, sisters, Ethel and Dorothy (Dot). She is survived by her little sister Kathleen who was born in Fort Fraser. Nana left a legacy of wonderful people who will dearly miss her.
Eileen met Thomas Harding (deceased 2012) in Victoria. They were married in Comox where Tom was stationed. They were then transferred to Cold Lake Alberta (CFB). The growing family then transferred to Uplands air base in Ottawa before moving back to Cold Lake where he worked until he retired from the air force. The family moved to Nanaimo in 1971 where Eileen gardened and baked to feed her family and many of their friends. Her tomatoes, homemade bread and corn chowder soup are legendary.
In 1977 Eileen and Tom moved to Peachland to create a beautiful oasis where she won many awards for her knitting, quilting, produce and baking. They moved to Summerland in 1991 to build a new home and another Garden of Eden until poor health required a move back to Vancouver Island to Mill Bay where family could care for them.
After Tom’s passing Eileen moved to Invermere to be cared for by daughter Margaret. In her final days Eileen was a resident at Columbia House where she was lovingly cared for until her passing. Her beautiful smile and spirit made all feel better, just by being in her presence. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Columbia House. In her memory donations can be sent to the Columbia House Enhancement Society Box 963, Invermere BC, V0A 1K0.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date.