DUNN
Eileen Mary Dunn of Rimbey, Alberta, formerly of Alder Flats, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at the age of 90 years.
It is ironic that a woman who spent her life being of service to others, did not want a service at the end of her life. Eileen was born January 18, 1925 to Joseph and Caroline Watton. She idealized her dad who had a trucking business, and was at his side whenever possible helping to repair or drive huge trucks. At 17, she joined the British army as a driver-mechanic. During the war she met her future husband, a Canadian soldier, Arthur "Morris" Dunn. But that would have to wait. Being one of the younger soldiers, Eileen was not demobbed from the army right away. Morris returned to Canada and they corresponded for several years, but Eileen stayed in England to nurse her father who had become ill. While still in England, she became an ambulance driver. After her father's passing, Eileen came to Canada and married Morris in 1951. They lived on a mixed farm near Pendryl, Alberta. At first they lived in the homestead's log house, but together they sawed the lumber and built a new home in which they started to raise their three children. They worked to bring power and telephone into the area. In 1963, Eileen and Morris moved to Alder Flats where they owned and operated Mountain View Store for 15 years. They were active members of the community. Eileen was involved with the Home and School and Girl Guides. They also were members of the Agricultural Society and the Legion. Many a community fund-raiser involved a huge pan of Eileen's baked beans, pies and squares. In retirement, Eileen volunteered with Victim Services for a number of years. She was a founding member of the Peace Makers Quilting Club which produced countless quilts for Ronald McDonald House, the Red Cross, and many organizations in need of a quilt to raffle for their cause. Eileen's sewing room had a sign in it that said, "Far better a constructive mess than idle tidiness." Her home was always constructive. When not sewing for her charities, she was sewing or knitting for her family. When not sewing, she was baking or canning or cooking. Eileen and Morris enjoyed traveling as well. They camped across Canada, up to Alaska and down to California. They enjoyed a few cruises in the Caribbean and one to the Orient. Their favourite destinations however, were to the homes of their children and grandchildren, where they would show up with homemade goodies, ready to lend a hand. In their later years, Eileen and Morris lived in Drayton Valley, where they volunteered in the Thrift Store, and Red Deer. They enjoyed walking together, but that need to serve meant that they often took along a plastic bag so they could pick up cans and bottles for charity, and litter to put into a recycling or garbage bin. After Morris passed away, Eileen moved to Parkland Manor where she was known as that lady who walked all the time or was knitting hats for cancer patients. Eileen passed away in Rimbey Continuing Care after a lifetime of service.
Eileen will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her two sons, Phil (Cathy) Dunn of Spruce Grove; and Ian (Pauline) Dunn of Drayton Valley; and her daughter, Mary (Beauchamp) Colclough of Rimbey; in addition to four cherished grandchildren and one great granddaughter. Eileen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Morris in 2011; and her sister, Betty Nicholas.
With respect for Eileen's wishes, no formal Funeral Service will be held. Cremation took place at the Central Alberta Crematorium, Red Deer. Family and friends of Eileen are welcome to drop by the home of Ian and Pauline Dunn in the Drayton Valley area for tea or coffee on Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to share any fond memories they may have of Eileen. (Phone (780) 542-6819 or (780) 542-0092 for directions.) If friends desire, memorial tributes in Eileen's Memory may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, #101, 6751 - 52 Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta T4N 4K8; or to the charity of one's choice. Condolences to the Dunn Family may also be expressed by e-mail to: special_reflections@telusplanet.net
Cremation Arrangements for the Late Eileen Mary Dunn entrusted to the care of
OBERHAMMER FUNERAL CHAPELS LTD.
1-403-843-4445