Eileen Gibson

Eileen was born to Ethel and Albert Price, in Emo, Ontario on April 26, 1923. She was the younger sister of Irene Price and an older sister to Edward (Ted) Price.

In 1940, Eileen was united in marriage with Harold Kehl. The Kehls had three children, (Harleen, Dawn and Randy), before separating in the late forties.

In the early 1950s, Eileen moved from Emo to Atikokan, Ontario and married James Gibson. Three children (Dale, Lynn and Tracy) were borne to the couple.

In the 1960s Eileen joined the Riverview United Church where she found a great deal of comfort and camaraderie.

Eileen was an active member of the Women of the Moose, the UCW (United Church Women), and the Red Hat Society. She developed many deep and abiding friendships within these organizations.

Over the years Eileen worked at a variety of jobs which included: planting trees, cashier at the Cow Palace, reception at the White Otter Inn and for a brief while she worked at Pluswood. Many people still remember the years she put in as an outstanding saleswoman for Avon products.

In the 1980s, Eileen and Jim Gibson parted ways.

Eileen loved to spend her time knitting for her numerous grandchildren, as well as reading, gardening and dancing at the Pioneer Centre. Her greatest joy was the time she was able to spend at the cabin on Turtle Lake.

In 2010 Eileen suffered a stroke and spent the remainder of her life in the care of the wonderful staff at the Extended Care Wing of the Atikokan General Hospital.

Eileen was predeceased by her mother, father, sister Irene and daughter Lynn. She is survived by her brother Ted (Reta), sons Randy Kehl (Roberta), Dale Gibson (Cathy), and daughters Harleen Hogan (Lorne), Dawn Marson (Victor), and Tracy Gibson (Rick Socholotuk), 14 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.

A memorial service honouring Eileen was held at the Riverview United Church in Atikokan on Monday, April 23 with Rev. Randy Boyd officiating.