Eileen Beatrice McCallum

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Eileen Beatrice McCallum (née Woodman) of St. Albert, Alberta (formerly of Digby, Nova Scotia), on August 3, 2024, at the age of 92. Eileen will forever be dearly loved by her sons Ross and Scott; her daughter Nancy Robert; her grandchildren Daniel and Luke; her siblings Sheila Piliounis, Ken (Betty), and Keith (Mary); her extended family; and countless cherished life-long friends. Eileen is predeceased by her beloved husband Arnold, her brother-in-law Don Piliounis, and her dearest friend Jean Raymond.

Eileen was born in Digby, Nova Scotia, on Christmas Day in 1931, to Mary (née Hankinson) and Kenneth (Ted) Woodman and was the eldest of four children. She was raised in Digby and after completing high school trained as a hairdresser, eventually operating her own salon. Eileen met her future husband Arnold in Digby and they married in 1957. In 1964, after starting their family, the McCallums embarked on a great adventure to the Northwest Territories where they lived both in Fort Smith and Yellowknife. Arnold taught school, eventually becoming a principal, after which he became involved in territorial politics as the MLA for Slave River. This enormous move from rural Nova Scotia to northern Canada afforded Eileen the opportunity to be at home full-time to raise their three children, which was her self-proclaimed greatest joy.

Eileen loved the North. She felt it was a wonderful place to raise a family and, as an extremely outgoing, friendly person, became part of a close-knit community of friends she cherished for the rest of her life. Eileen was very involved in supporting the activities her children enjoyed and was key in promoting Arnold’s political career. Eileen very much enjoyed playing Bridge with Arnold and their friends and was also active playing golf and curling, and she loved to travel.

In 1987, Eileen and Arnold retired back home to Digby where they rekindled dear friendships from their youth and immersed themselves in community life. Still an avid golfer and Bridge player, Eileen also found time to volunteer with the Digby Hospital Auxiliary and the Trinity Anglican Church among other organizations. She also took a daily brisk walk by the seaside until she was well into her 80s.

Eileen moved to St. Albert, Alberta, in 2019 to be closer to Ross, Nancy, and her grandchildren. She lived at the St. Albert Retirement Residence and, when her health declined moved to the Youville nursing home, where she was well cared for by their wonderful team.

Eileen enjoyed a long and happy life, for which she was so grateful. She was at peace as she passed away, a blessing that sustains us as we adjust to life without her. Thankfully, we have a lifetime of wonderful memories to carry with us always. May she rest in peace.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Eileen at Trinity Anglican Church, 109 Queen Street, Digby, Nova Scotia, on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Covenant Foundation – Youville Home or Trinity Anglican Church. P.O. Box 1120, Digby, NS, B0V 1A0.