Obituary of Eileen Mary Marsden

MARSDEN: Sadly the family announces the passing of Eileen Mary Marsden (née Bates) at Fairview Home, on Sunday, March 6, 2011, at the age of 97 years. She was born at Deloraine, MB on September 12, 1913 the eldest child and only daughter of William Bates and Ellen Jane Bates (née Snodgrass), Irish immigrants. She spent her early years in Deloraine. Eileen's family returned to their home in Ireland for a short time and then resettled in the Kenville area, where she graduated from high school. She received a teaching certificate at the Normal School in Dauphin in 1932, and then taught in the Goodlands area. She married Philip (Tom) Marsden on August 4, 1941. They lived and farmed on the Grand Valley Road. After Tom's death in 1992, Eileen continued to live on the farm, until 2007 when she moved to Fairview. She loved her little house in the valley and was very sad to leave it, and her good neighbours in the district. She lived an active and productive life. She worked hard on the farm alongside Tom, always having a big garden and many chickens. She took time to be involved in her community as a leader in the Poplar Hill 4-H Club, and a member of the Zion United Church ladies group. She was also a member of St. Matthews Cathedral. Eileen enjoyed playing cards with friends and neighbours and in later years with a group at the Central Community Centre. She enjoyed sports and was a good athlete. In her early years she played ball, and later was involved in curling and golf. She was an avid and competitive curler for many years. Over the years she won honours in bonspiels and competitions. A highlight of her curling career occurred in 1985, when she was on the winning rink at the Golden Gals Provincial Championship. After she "hung up her broom" she remained active in the Golden Gals Association. She enjoyed golfing with friends, and Eileen was a part of the 9 hole league at the Recreation Centre until she was ninety years old. Eileen was predeceased by her husband Tom; parents William Bates and Ellen Jane Bates; her brothers William Bates and John Bates; sisters-in-law Lisa Bates and Marie Bates. She is survived and fondly remembered by her two children; John Marsden of Victoria, BC and Judy Taylor of Neepawa; grandchildren Rob Taylor (Tania) of Abbotsford, BC, Jennifer Taylor (Locky Miller) of Winnipeg; and great grandchildren Jack and Abby Taylor and Jordan Miller. Also surviving is her youngest brother Gordon(Jeanne) Bates from Brighton, ON; their daughters Deborah of Newman,Toronto, ON and Francine Bates(Steve McNemeny) of Claremont, ON and their families; nieces Denise Town(David Will) of Lacombe, AB, Maureen(Morris) Mymko of Thunder Bay, ON, Marsha (Murray)McLeod of Brandon, Noreen Noble of Victoria, BC; nephews Doug(Val) Bates of Blind Bay, BC, Barry Bates of St. Albert, AB and their families. There are also several cousins and their families who have special memories of times spent with Eileen. The funeral service and celebration of Eileen's life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on Friday March 11, 2011 with Rev. Chad McCharles from St. James Anglican Church in Neepawa officiating. Lunch followed at the St. Matthew's Cathedral Hall. Interment was in the Brandon Cemetery. Active pallbearers were: Campbell Macpherson, Steve Andreychuk, Murray Sangster, Lawrence Kelly, Matthew McLeod and John McLeod. The family would like to recognize and thank Dr. Mary Egan and the staff at Fairview Home for their care and support. Memorial Donations may be made to Fairview Fund, 1352-13thStreet, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4S6.