And in the blink of an eye, she was gone. Eileen passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning of June 15th at 93 years of age in her home in Hogarth Riverview Manor, Thunder Bay.
She was pre-deceased by her husband Frederick (Allan) Francis, her parents Fern and Herman Langila, her mother and father in-law Irene and Milton Francis, her brothers Sam and Bill, sister-in-law Joyce, brother-in-law John Francis, and sister-in-law Barbara Walker and her husband Lloyd.
Eileen leaves behind her loving children Jamie (Joanne), Joanie Fretz (Willie), John (Lori), and Jill Cameron (Geoff), grandchildren James Francis (Siiri Fairall), Jennifer Francis, David Fretz (Ashley), Katie Guy (Adam), Kim Allen (Jill), Kiza Sauve (James), JJ Francis (Beth Calonego), Brittany Perry (Travis), Alexander Cameron, and Julia Cameron, sister-in-law Jeanette Langila, many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Eileen was a loving wife, mother, nana, and friend. She graduated from the registered nursing program at the Port Arthur General Hospital where she practiced for many years. Prior to retiring, Eileen was the Head Nurse of Emergency and a Nursing Supervisor. She retired in 1967 to dedicate her time to her family. None of her children or grandchildren can walk into a kitchen without thinking of nana’s amazing baking especially her “nana” buns, cookies, and brownies. No birthday would pass without receiving a batch of your favourite cookies no matter where you were.
Eileen enjoyed her summers at her camp at Loon Lake where she could often be seen sitting on her dock reading a book, swimming in the lake, walking on the back road, and enjoying the company of her family and friends. She spent her winters skiing at Mount Baldy. She was an avid bridge player and never hesitated to join a game. Eileen is remembered by her welcoming smile, sense of humour, and her laughter. She will be missed by all!
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Eileen’s Life, where family and friends can gather, will be held August 14, 2022 from 3:00 to 5:00 at the Fretz Camp (Cottage) at 281 West Loon Drive. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to any of the following charities: Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Canadian National Institute for the Blind, and the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
