Mom, you did it - you finally made the Obituaries! You always flipped to the Obituaries first in the papers, and although your family is profoundly sorry to have to write this, we are also happy that you are at peace.
Eila grew up in Glenden, where, as a girl, she loved to share pies cooling on the window pane with her dog, and was a crack shot at downsizing the squirrel population. She also showed early potential as a wheeler-dealer, once trading a bicycle for a pump organ. She also liked to take walks in the forest behind her house, and having the occasional tea party there.
After high school, her family moved to Salmon Arm from Gleneden and she started working as a secretary at the Salmon Arm Farmers Exchange, doing everything from shorthand, to working in the ice cream parlor, to flicking paper clips from the second floor on unsuspecting pedestrians on Saturday nights, and listening to her boss curse about coloured toilet paper. In 1953, she married Gus, the love of her life, and settled down to life back in Gleneden as a farm wife and mother. She was also active in the community, serving as secretary for the Women’s Club, and a member of the Better Years Club.
After Gus passed away in 1979, Mom volunteered for 17 years at the CMHA Thrift Shop, where she scored many bargains, and enjoyed going for coffee and lunch with friends. As she settled down into retirement, she would putter away at home, tending to the flowers on her deck, drawing portraits of her grandchildren (and winning prizes at the Fall Fair), and showing her prowess at Rummikub.
Eila is predeceased by her mother and father, Fiina and Jacob Mack, her brothers and sisters, and her husband Gus. She leaves behind her children Karen (Lud), Kevin (Lynda), and Jim; grandchildren Michelle (Dan), Jenny (Cam), Nick (Fiona), Amy, Krissy, and Kyle; and great-grandchildren Liam and Nolan.
At her request, there will be no service. Many thanks to Dr. Skubiak and Dr. Main, and thanks beyond all measure to the Nursing staff at Shuswap Lake General Hospital, who were the most graceful of guides on her final journey. In lieu of flowers, as Mom liked to practice, please hug someone you love, and be kind to others.
Online condolences may be sent through Eila’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com