Vera Eileen Unruh

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Eileen Unruh (MacLean) on July 17, 2024. Eileen was born February 21, 1933 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to Vera and Fred MacLean. She was predeceased by her husband of fifty two years, William “Bill” in 2009. Eileen will be greatly missed by sons, Daniel (Carol), Peter (Cheryl), Douglas, (Sharon) and David (Tammy), along with grandchildren Christopher, Andrew, Bradley, Holly, Kelly, Virginia and William. She has four great-grandchildren, Hudson, Hailey, Savannah, Nathanael, along with step-grandchildren Jamie, William and Jennifer. Eileen is also survived by her loving brothers Douglas MacLean, Gary MacLean and sister in law Isabel MacLean.

In her youth, Eileen lived in various locations throughout Canada, owing to her father’s background as a dentist in the Canadian Armed Forces. Her childhood was experienced in communities from Nova Scotia to Alberta. Countless hours were spent teasing or otherwise trying to agitate her brothers for sport. Nevertheless, she forged a keen desire to act in the service of others. She met the love of her life Bill in Winnipeg Manitoba while she was studying nursing and he was studying chemical engineering. They were married May 5, 1956 and embarked on a life which brought them to various locations including Louisiana, Medicine Hat, Alberta (where all her sons were born), Brandon Manitoba, and Sarnia Ontario, before finally settling in Fort Saskatchewan.

Eileen lived a life dedicated to family. She gave herself over in supporting each and every endeavor undertaken by members of her family, although she did so with keen eye if she perceived difficulties in the road ahead. She was never bashful about sharing her point of view, but always listened and wanted the best for others. Although diminutive in physical size, she was by every measure the strong matriarch of the family.

Eileen had many passions. These included shopping and doing so with vim and vigor. Countless hours searching for just the right outfit was by every measure, well used hours of the day. She enjoyed oil painting, golfing and curling in her younger years, and was always up for a fun time. She enjoyed travel and specifically enjoyed cruises with her late husband and other family members. She enjoyed socializing and took great pleasure in the company of friends and family. It helped that Eileen was an accomplished cook as it was important that her guests be well attended. Such was her identity. Eileen was a generous person and forged many meaningful relationships throughout her life, including most recently with Billie-Lynn O’Hara, who was her daily care giver, support person and dear friend.

Special heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at Fort Saskatchewan Hospital who made her final days comfortable and peaceful.

Donations can be made Eileen's memory to the Canadian Cancer Foundation.