Obituaries

ROBY, Catherine Eileen (ne Gartner)

March 5, 1949 – October 11, 2023

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved Eileen who, after over 27 years of courageously battling cancer went peacefully into the arms of Jesus at the Kelowna General Hospital on October 11, 2023, at the age of 74.

Eileen was born in Macklin, Saskatchewan on March 5, 1949, to Joseph and Magdalena Gartner. She was the ninth child born into a family of six girls and six boys. Trained as a stenographer and having worked in the healthcare and banking industry for a short period of time, she was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and a devoted homemaker. Many lasting memories were made on vacations with the children and later in life traveling to be with the grandchildren. Also on golfing trips in the motor home, short stays in Palm Springs with family, and in this last decade, gathering with family and friends after moving to the Okanagan. One email of condolence we received said it best, "She was a brave, wonderful person who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege to meet and know her. Eileen's love of family, her great sense of humour, and her determination to fight health challenges are a testament to the incredible person she was."

Eileen is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Rick; their son Ryan (Tiffany) and their children Liam and Aiden; and daughter Christa. Also left to treasure her memory are her sisters Imelda, Linda, Patricia (Melvin), and Marilyn (Brent); brothers August (Nancy), Herman (Eileen), Gerald (Sandra), and Irvin (Laura); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sister Angelina, brothers Theadore, and Wilfred; brothers-in-law Joseph, Ian, and John; and sister-in-law Hildegard.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM, located at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

Memorial donations may be made in Eileen's honor to Hungry for Life, www.hungryforlife.org/donate?tab=projects. Please select the "Ukrainian orphanage" designation in the drop-down menu. This organization reflects a part of Eileen's passion as she expressed empathy for the loss these young children faced.

To view the Livestream/recording or send the family condolences, please visit her obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/roby-catherine-eileen-nee-gartner/

Condolence Messages

Nov 18, 2023
Eileen.....you have joined many beautiful Gartner family members......on October 11th.....my Dad's birthday.......he too was a Gartner born in Macklin Saskatchewan. I can imagine the welcoming of open arms for you on October 11th. The Gartner clan loves Family....first and foremost!

Sandy Gartner - Sandy Gartner
Nov 05, 2023
Marilyn and family, I am sending my condolences on the passing of Eileen. ( Such a beautiful picture of her). May she Rest In Peace. Sandy Lenarcic - Sandy Lenarcic

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