Tribute

 Eileen Welsh passed away peacefully at Kootenay Lake Hospital at the age of 
94 years.  Eileen lived as an intelligent, energetic, warm, fun loving 
individual, sometimes a bit stubborn in her zeal to have things “done right”.  
She will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
 
 She was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, the second child of Maria and 
James Gillanders.  Due to the unrest in Ireland at that time, the family 
immigrated to Canada in September 1921, sailing into Quebec City on the 
passenger ship Ille de France.  They traveled by railway to Saskatchewan where 
their father had acquired a farm at Cresent Hill, near Kinistino.  She 
attended a one room school until the family moved to a larger farm close to 
Kinistino.  Eileen's formative years were spent helping on the family farm and 
becoming involved with their church and community activities.  
 
 After graduating from Kinistino High School, Eileen trained as a nurse in 
the three year residential program at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon.  She 
worked in Saskatchewan for a few years then, true to her adventurous nature, 
came to BC working at Chilliwack and Revelstoke hospitals before coming to 
Nelson.  In the old High Street hospital she worked as a general duty nurse, 
then Supervisor and was appointed Director of Nursing during the planning 
stages of the present hospital.  She remained as Director when the hospital 
opened in 1958 and continued until 1969.  She then worked as a part time 
Pharmacy nurse for a number of years before retiring.  As a dedicated and 
caring nurse, her patients always came first.  In order to assist her career 
colleagues, she was instrumental in the professional organization and the 
fight for the creation of pensions for nurses.
 
 In 1952 she married long time Nelson resident Ernie Welsh whom she shared 
life with until his death in 1987.   Eileen enjoyed doing volunteer work for 
the Canadian Cancer Society and also as a member of the Jubilee Manor 
Auxiliary.  She was a faithful friend, caring for many whenever needed.  She 
enjoyed sports, and in retirement she took up golf for the exercise, fresh air 
and friendships.  She was a consummate walker, as part of her nursing career 
and later for enjoyment and health.  She made many “park friends” on her early 
morning walks around Lakeside Park.  More recent failing health restricted her 
very active routine.  Close family ties and many friendships were always very 
important to her.
 
 Eileen was predeceased by husband Ernie, her parents and her older brother 
Ernie.  She will be lovingly remembered by her sister, Isabelle Agar, Calgary, 
AB; her three brothers Dick (Noreen), Winnipeg, MB; George (Hazel), Kelowna, 
BC;  and Bill (Joyce), Duncan, BC, special nephews and nieces and their 
families; Godson Stephen (Linda) Hoskin and family; special friends Andrea 
Manson and Nancy Playdon.  
 
 Eileen's family would like to express their gratitude for the extra special 
care given to her from Dr. Keith Bridger and the Third Floor staff of Kootenay 
Lake Hospital.  In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to Kootenay 
Lake Hospital, 3 View St., Nelson BC, V1L 2V1.