(April 30, 1936 – March 27, 2017) - It is with deep sorrow, that the family of Eileen announce her passing at SAH on the morning of March 27, 2017 in her 81st year. She leaves behind her children, Maureen Gooderham (Alan), Sault Ste. Marie, Colleen Klein (Curtis Rush), Mississauga, Norman Klein (Chrissie Maltman), Grand Cayman, and Greg Klein (Melina Castro), Toronto and Brazil; also left are her grandchildren, Jennifer Gooderham (Jon Carnaroli), Tynan Klein, and Kathleen Klein. She is survived by her siblings, Kathleen Mantha, Jean Guenette (Denis), Mary Culhane (Brian), James Kearns (Sharon), and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Frank Klein and her parents, James and Phyllis Kearns. Born in Kirkland Lake and raised in Savard Township, she learned the value of hard work from her parents. Her father James was a teacher in a three-room school at a time when a teacher’s salary did not extend through the summer. She would remind her children about days spent picking blueberries and selling produce from their garden to supplement the family income. Although her family did not have much material wealth, they never knew they were poor because they were rich in love. She maintained a close relationship with her family her entire life and instilled the importance of family in her own children. Early physical challenges led to a life-changing operation for scoliosis at the age of 15 at Sick Kids in Toronto. She spent the summer in a body cast, largely enduring this in hospital with her family back home. This was an early example of her toughness and resilience, qualities that she would carry through to the end of her life. She attended nursing school in North Bay, graduating in 1957, and was always proud of being a registered nurse. She met Frank (a police officer) in June of 1958 and they married in October of that year. Children came along in quick succession and by her 29th birthday she had 4 of them. She dedicated her time to raising her children, while working shifts part-time as a nurse to provide extra money for activities such as hockey, figure skating, music lessons, girl guides; and later for university tuition. Hours were spent knitting, sewing clothes, costumes, and in later years all the left-over scraps of material were turned into quilts and comforters for fledgling adults as they left to pursue university and working life. Life was not easy for Eileen; she faced the challenges of living with the progressive effects of MS for 30 years, but she always managed to provide a welcoming home to her children, grandchildren, and all who visited. In more recent years she was supported in her home successively by two caregivers, Darwisa and Arlina, who became like daughters to her. For their help in letting Eileen live in her own home much longer than most people would expect, the family is forever grateful. The family would also like to thank the many workers from CCAC and WeCare for their support. Special thanks go to Pam and Valerie for your compassionate care. Thank-you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at SAH in ICU and 3B that made her final days comfortable. A Funeral Mass will be held at Precious Blood Cathedral on Thursday March 30, 2017 at 11:30am with Rev. Arulkumar Kanagaraj officiating. Interment in Holy Sepulchre to follow. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St 705-759-8456. Expressions of sympathy and condolences available on-line at: www.osullivanfuneralhome.com.
Mom, you were a dedicated mother to your children, your days of work and worry are over. Rest in peace.
Love always, your family.