Obituary of Eileen Appleton
Eileen Enis Appleton (Parker) passed Feb 3, 2021 in her 101st year in New Glasgow, NS, formerly of London, Ont and Pointe Claire, Que.
Beloved war bride of Gordon (deceased) , mother of Neil (Marjorie), West Chester, PA, Keith (Janet), New Glasgow, NS and mother in law of Mary Appleton-Dias (Vic), Red Deer, AB. Aunt to Ian Parker (Pauline), Wales, UK and Gail Mitchell-Briggs (deceased)(Nick), England, UK. Grandmother to Chris Appleton (Sarah), Denver, CO, Kate Luymes (Rob), Lacombe, AB, Colin Appleton (Melissa), Charlestown, MA, Rob Appleton (Kristin), Sherwood Park, AB, and Leslie Browngold (Max) Haymarket, VA. Great grandmother to Connor, Avery, Eve, Aaron, Emma, Ayda, Cora, Aidan, Zach, Hudson, and Oliver. "Mother" to extended Nova Scotia family; Ryan, Ashley, Kinley, Kellen and Vonn MacNaughton (Foxbrook), Janelle, Matt, Riayn, Maisey and Luca Flemming (Eastern Passage) and Cobee, Carly and Koa MacNaughton (Lower Sackville).
Mom had a lifelong passion for musical performance, travel, gardening , a love of dogs and a strong commitment to friendship."Gammy" was particularly proud to have taken all of her grandchildren to visit family and show off her English heritage, the tales of which have blossomed over the years.
LAC Parker (WAAF) was a radar operator during WWII when she met "Tiny" Appleton (RCAF). Stories of "shakeedoos" led to their marriage in Sept 1945. She arrived in Halifax on July 4 1946 @ Pier 21 onboard the Queen Mary and then on to Montreal by train.
The family was raised in Pointe Claire, the West Island area of Montreal. Retirement took Eileen and Gordon to London, Ontario, where Gordon passed in 1988. Eileen continued to live in the house and drive the car until she moved to New Glasgow in 2016 to live with family on Yorkshire Court. She left behind many friends who she dearly missed.
Possibly the last, pre-COVID , in person, 100th Birthday party was celebrated, in New Glasgow, March 11-14, 2020. Family from the UK, USA , Alberta and Nova Scotia were all in attendance for the memorable celebrations. Remarkable memories and safe journeys home for all.
Mom’s determination "to stay the blazes home" was made possible with the much appreciated personal care provided by Cheryl, Judy , Kari and the VON home care nursing staff. Nurse Janet was on call 24/7. Mom passed peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit at the Aberdeen Hospital with family at her bedside.
One of Moms favourite Christmas carols was "In the Cold, Bleak Midwinter" which she first heard at her niece Gail’s memorial service. Gail was the daughter Mom never had, best friend and travelling companion . Kate’s family performed the Carol for her via YouTube at Christmas.
A remarkable century, from a cathode ray tube radar screen to a YouTube recording on an iPad. A century well lived and traveled. Keep Safe! Love from all of us.
Moms remains will be interred next to Dad at the Riverside Cemetery in London, Ontario at a future date. Memorials can be made to Mom’s favourite charities: the SPCA or Doctors Without Borders, or a charity of your choice.