CHILDRESS, Eileen Catherine - Passed away quietly & with dignity on May 10, 2011 in West Kelowna, British Columbia, at age 98.

Eileen was a woman of beauty, intelligence, and energy, who had a long and fulfilling life. She was an inspirational mother to her son Walter-Keith (Penny) Hearn of Ottawa, and a role model for grandchildren Michelle (Max) Wyndham-West of Toronto, Malcolm (Janean) Hearn of New York, Samantha (Fred) Rischanek of Vernon, and Shauna (Stephen) Adams of Texas. Her extended family included six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. Eileen was predeceased by her loving husband of thirty-eight years, Robert L. Childress, son Bryan Hearn, and sister Eila Cadlick.

In the late 1800’s members of the McDonald clan emigrated from Scotland to Canada and ultimately settled in Manitoba as homesteaders. Eileen was born into this Gaelic speaking farm family in Teulon, Manitoba,October 03, 1912, the first child of Malcolm & Eva McDonald. Eileen’s early adult years were spent in Winnipeg where her first marriage ended in divorce; but she carried on as a single working mother determinedly raising two sons with courage and selfless dedication. In 1958 she moved to Kelowna and started a successful business career as regional sales director for Avon Cosmetics. In 1965 she married Robert Childress an dmoved to Seattle where they happily resided for close to forty years. Eileen found a home for her abiding faith at St. Columba’s Episcopal Church in Kent, Washington, where she was active onthe building committee responsible for construction of a new church and for thirty years as director of the Altar Guild. Eileen was a proactive leader of the Olympic Kennel Club where she held executive positions, organized pure-breed dog shows, and ultimately was recognized as a honorary life member for thirty-five years service and received the first Outstanding Service Award in 2007. She was a ‘mover & shaker’ with the Washington State Scottish Terrier Club, the Scottish Terrier Club of America, and the Washington State Obedience Training Club, all of which awarded her honorary life memberships. Eileen’s compassionate character was evident in her voluntary efforts to rescue abandoned or badly treated dogs and placement of them in good homes. And when a good home couldn’t be found, she adopted the dog herself! In all of these activities she was assisted and supported by her devoted husband Robert. In keeping with her intellect and progressive outlook, Eileen at 85 bought her first computer and soon knew how to surf the net and exchange e-mails. She led a full life blessed with a loving family, adoring dogs and good friends who will remember her fondly.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to Hellevi Cooper for the compassion, kindness & love showed to Eileen for so many years. We also want to express appreciation to the wonderful caregivers at The Village at Smith Creek who gave Eileen dignity & comfort in the last years of her life.

In lieu of flowers a charitable donation to organizations that help people or animals in distress would be appreciated.

Cremation. No visitation.

Private family service and interment arrangements in care of Everden Rust Funeral Services, (250)860-6440.

• Make Castanet Your Homepage
• News Tips
• Advertising
• Contact Us