February 4, 1930 - September 1, 2018
"Ah, but a [person's] reach should exceed his grasp, Or what's a heaven for?" - Robert Browning
A feminist, Eileen was well ahead of her time, and in action and in word she dedicated her life to her family's enjoyment and happiness. As a phenomenal mother who always put everyone else first, she consistently provided abundant experiences, shared the joy of learning, acted as a guide to those around her towards paths of success, and always made sure everyone had fun along the way.
Eileen grew up in Montreal, the second oldest of six siblings, routinely pitching-in around the house, she even helped raise her youngest sister (12 yrs. her junior). Precocious and strong-willed, her early demands to start school with her older sister meant that she was always a year ahead in her studies. Devoted to both education and family, she finished via night-school at 14 so that she could help out by working through the day.
An avid skier, she met (then later married) Vic Mallette, and their marriage lasted 61 years until his death in 2014. Together they raised four children while Eileen worked as a teacher and attended university at night, never ceasing to model that a full life includes the pursuit of knowledge and self-betterment. Most weekends she packed-up the family to head out of town to either ski Mt. Tremblant (in winter) or to the lake at St. Gabriel De Brandon (in summer).
In 1976, the family moved to Vancouver and built a home at Whistler, skiing nearly every weekend they could. Soon the four kids had grandbabies and so, too, carried on the tradition of skiing, education, and family as the heartbeat of their lives. Ei continued to teach reading enhancement, completing her Masters in Reading and was recognized as a great resource amongst family and friends.
1990 brought with it many changes: Ei and Vic retired to a lakefront property on Lake Okanagan, just outside of Vernon, and delighted in time spent with grandchildren, family gatherings, playing on the lake, and skiing at Silver Star in the winter.
The year 2000 included another series of moves, firstly to Quails Run, and then finally to Coldstream Meadows. At Coldstream, Mom's days were spent with a great group of other residents sharing loving stories about the great-grandkids and all their happenings. She was always looking forward to the next get-together of her ever-growing clan.
Eileen's last weeks were spent in warmth and compassion at the Vernon Hospice. Their dedication to her care was remarkable, and our family is truly grateful for their kindness and attention.
It is with profound sadness that we grieve the loss of our Mom; we are so thankful for that unwavering and unconditional love that she gave us, and the joy she brought to us each day. As she always said: "WHATEVER THE QUESTION, THE ANSWER IS LOVE".
A celebration of life will be held at Salmon Beach on Vancouver Island in the summer of 2019 In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please make a small donation in Eileen's name to the Malala Fund at https://www.malala.org/ which supports girls' access to education.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Vernon Dignity Funeral Home (250-542-0155)
Condolences may be offered at vernonfuneralhome.com
Vernon Funeral Home