Eileen Louise Dunstan Bright

A Memorial Service for Eileen, where family, friends, former colleagues and students will honour her memory and celebrate her life will be held at Forest View Public School, 8406 Forest View Blvd. (off Kalar Rd.) on Sunday January 13, 2013 at 1:30 PM. All are welcome.

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and teacher. Eileen entered into a peaceful rest at home after a courageous and valiant six-year battle with cancer on Thursday Dec 13, 2012. Loving wife of Rick Bright, adored mother of Todd Bright (Sue) and Kelly Bright-Campbell (Grant), cherished grandmother of Alex and Alana Bright and Jenna Campbell, sister of Phyllis Cossar and Norman Dunstan (Shirley), predeceased by her parents, Harold and Cassie Dunstan, siblings Ken Dunstan and Violet Piva, aunt and great aunt to many nieces and nephews, dear friend of Diana Lundy (Jim) and the members of The Humble Club. A private graveside service has been held, arrangements entrusted to Hetherington & Deans. A memorial service for all friends, colleagues and former students will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society or the District School Board of Niagara’s Education Foundation (EFN).

EILEEN LOUISE BRIGHT

1945-2012

A Job Dunright

A husband.

A son and his wife.

A daughter and her husband

And three grandchildren

Are deeply saddened this day by the loss of their most wonderful Eileen. Together at the family home they witnessed Eileen accept death with great courage and peace.

Touching the lives and hearts of many, Eileen was loved and respected by her family, extended family and friends.

Honest and gentle, with a generous heart, Eileen dedicated a lifetime to sharing and learning. She made things grow, she made people beautiful, she taught compassion, grace and thoughtfulness through examples; even her last days were spent comforting others.

It is not enough to say that she is loved.

It is not enough to say that she is missed.

Born in Niagara Falls, Eileen was an alumnus of Niagara University, Brock University, St. Catharines Teacher’s College, N.F.C.V.I. and Simcoe Street Public School.

Eileen’s passion for gardening, travel and education were woven within her many commitments and achievements. Eileen provided assistance and leadership as a volunteer to the Bell Haven School, the Newport Centre , the Christ Church Literacy Program, as well as a nearly 40-year career as an elementary teacher for the District School Board of Niagara.

Eileen derived great joy and much pleasure in parenting her children Todd and Kelly. Both grew to be caring and concerned individuals who chose similar life partners. Sue for Todd and Grant for Kelly – individuals who also exhibited the same fine qualities and characteristics.

Eileen was blessed with three wonderful grandchildren. Alex, Alana and Jenna all enjoyed special relationships with Gram! All three garnered a lifetime of memories to honour her. No one will miss her more than her grandchildren.

Eileen also developed other long-lasting and loving relationships – particularly with Diana Lundy. With her, she shared girlhood dreams, adulthood realities and an unspoken commitment to always be supportive, non-judgmental and caring. Their friendship lasted from kindergarten until now.

Eileen was also one of the founding members of the Humble Club, a group of ladies whose professional lives had to do with education. They all worked very hard to build not only a mutually supportive system but enjoyed countless hours of excellent conversation, good food, gardening and camaraderie. Gerda , Joyce, Liz, big and little Helen were all very helpful, thoughtful and kind to one another for over 35 years. The peace and enjoyment of many activities in which they participated were the envy of those who appreciated what an amazing group they were.