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Eileen Welsh (Gillanders)
November 10, 1919 - March 4, 2014
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.
Condolences
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From: Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. Staff
Thompson Funeral Service Ltd. Staff send our condolences to family and friends.

From: Lois Arnesen
Relation: friend
To the family of Eileen Walsh. I was never a personal friend of Eileen’s but knew her casually through Granite Manor and admired her professional contribution to our hospital.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
May 23, 2014
Beginning at 2:00pm
Location:
Chapel of Thompson Funeral Service Ltd.
613 Ward Street
Nelson, BC Canada V1L 1T2
613 Ward Street
Nelson, BC Canada V1L 1T2
Memorial Gifts

Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to: Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation 3 View Street, Nelson, BC V1L 2V1
Thank You Notice
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Phone: (250) 352-3468 / Toll Free: 1(800) 712-6797
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POSIES
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513 A Front Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4B4
(250) 505-5222
https://www.posiesnelson.com/
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