Eileen Patricia Knight

It is with deep sadness that we announce, Eileen Patricia Knight (née Schretlen) passed away peacefully and courageously on September 9th, 2026, surrounded by family, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

Eileen was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia. There, she graduated from BCIT with honors, began her career in hospitality, made friendships she would keep for a lifetime and started her family. She was the youngest of four children and was predeceased by her loving parents, Alphonse and Anne “Bridie” Schretlen.

Eileen travelled extensively throughout her life, beginning with a solo adventure to Australia and New Zealand in 1979, followed by living and working in Europe. In later years, she visited many countries, including Nepal, Panama, Mexico, Bermuda, France, Italy, and more.

In 1985, Eileen married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Knight at the top of Mount Seymour. Together, they welcomed their two children, Angela and Joseph. In 1989, they moved their family to Aurora, Ontario, where they lived until settling happily in Calgary, Aberta in 1996.

As a young mother, Eileen kept busy volunteering at her children’s school and with their sports teams. She also became a registered apprentice in tiling, worked as a Tactile Illustrator for the CNIB, took on endless personal projects and enjoyed golf and yoga. She prioritized being involved in her community and generously gave her time to many causes she believed in.

Eileen was a multifaceted woman with an interest in almost everything. She was bright, curious, and loved to learn. Throughout her life, she explored many careers and roles, but none meant more to her than her place within her family as a mother, wife, granny, sister and aunt. Eileen is lovingly remembered by her children, Angela (Jonas) and Joseph (Justine) and her four grandchildren, Sidney, Abigail, Edwin and Oslo.

Those who knew Eileen will remember her warmth, curiosity, humor, and quiet determination. She had a natural ability to make others feel welcome and cared for, and she brought thoughtfulness and creativity to everything she did. Eileen approached life with a curious mind and a generous heart. She was independent, resilient, and deeply loving, with a spirit that left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate to know her.

Eileen and her family experienced tremendous heartbreak in 2016 with the loss of her beloved husband, Bob. She met the last decade of her life with remarkable strength, especially following her diagnosis in 2022. Her nearly four-year battle with liposarcoma was courageous, stoic, and determined. She impressed the medical teams around her with her resilience until the very end.

Eileen will be deeply missed. The Knight family wishes to thank her family doctor, Dr. Natalie Ward, the team at the Arthur Child Cancer Centre, and the staff at Rosedale Hospice, where she spent her final peaceful days. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Rosedale Hospice in Eileen’s honor.

A celebration of Eileen’s life will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in The Bonavista Room at The Lake House, 747 Lake Bonavista Drive SE, Calgary, Alberta.