April 2, 1920 - June 20, 2021
Eileen Gardiner (nee Taylor), 101, died peacefully on Sunday morning at The Pavilion in New Denver with family members by her side.
Eileen was born and raised in Winnipeg. She married David Nelson Gardiner, a decorated WWII Signals Officer in 1942. Eileen raised two children and when Nelson retired in 1975 she went to work with the Red Cross, assisting families in crisis. Eileen lived in many parts of Canada. She moved to Toronto in 1952 when her husband was transferred there by CBC. They later moved to Montreal in 1965 when Nelson was assigned to develop and operate the Expo 67 broadcast centre. In 1987 they moved to Calgary to be closer to family living in western Canada. After Nelson's death in 1996 she moved to Fruitvale in 2010 and finally the New Denver Pavilion in 2015.
Eileen was an excellent basketball, baseball and tennis player in her youth. She stayed active most of her life and enjoyed swimming at "Y". Wherever she lived she volunteered, often with a library. While volunteering with CNIB she became accomplished at typing in Braille to create books for the blind. A visit with Eileen began with an offer of tea and a snack, followed by a conversation about family and then a discussion of current events. She enjoyed reading and always there was a book beside her chair.
Eileen is survived by her two children Bruce (Judi), Robert (Holly), four grandchildren Duncan (Misha), Heather (Yves), Jennifer (Tim), David (Kim), five great-grandchildren (Isabelle, Felix, Hugo, Ophelia, Felicity), her sister-in-law Joyce, seven nieces and their families.
She was predeceased by her parents Frank and Ethel Taylor, husband Nelson Gardiner, four siblings Katherine, Wilson, Eleanor, and Donald.
The family would like to thank The Pavilion staff for their care for Eileen for the past five years. From the very beginning both the nursing and care staff made Eileen feel at home, treating her with warmth and dignity. In her later months and days we were particularly grateful for the care and compassion shown.
Donations in her name to Salvation Army or SPCA would be appreciated.
An intermingling of ashes with her late husband will be at a family ceremony at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens in Calgary July 26, 2021.
To leave a personal message of condolence, please see the
Thompson Funeral Service website https://www.thompsonfs.ca.
Thompsons Funeral Service