Obituary of Eileen Grace Sleeth
SLEETH, Eileen Grace
Born on June 3, 1945, Eileen Sleeth fought valiantly against cancer until her death on Nov. 15, 2016. Beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Eileen is survived by the love of her life, Ronald Sleeth, of Battersea. Her love for him only grew stronger with every pie she baked for him since their wedding on June 23, 1962. Eileen is survived by four children: Steven (Diane Gignac); Paul (Catherine Reynolds), Greg (Raquel Welch) and Jeff (Jennifer Spronk). She was the baker of cookies and butter tarts for grandchildren Lindsay, Ryan, Cory, Kyler, Brody, Connor, Drew and Graham. Sister of Dudley Shannon (Ruth) and family and Shirley Donaldson. Eileen is remembered by her sister-in-law Janet Crone (Don), and brothers-in-law David Sleeth (Faye) and Harold Sleeth (Jane). She is also remembered by many special friends including Roberta Smith, Christine Pantrey, Anne Marie Demetroules, Mary Pearson and Beverly Sanderson, Eileen’s American daughter (Alexis). She is predeceased by Judy Davey, her friend and neighbour. Devoted to her family and friends, Eileen was a leading member of Battersea United Church where she served as a member of the Board of Trustees. Her church work was an integral part of her life and helped her earn Volunteer of the Year in Storrington District in 2015 for South Frontenac Township. Eileen was passionate about fundraising for the church and her community; causes she cared about until her death. Eileen loved the many friends she made at Holstein Canada. She was a school bus driver with Robert Hogan Bus Lines for 37 years and was driving her third generation of students upon her retirement. A community activist who loved the family dairy farm, Eileen enjoyed tending her flower beds, fishing on Loughborough Lake, music by Daniel O’Donnell and travelling. It was her dream to travel to France to visit five students who lived on the farm for five consecutive summers. Sadly, cancer took her before she could travel overseas. Eileen was loved dearly and has left behind a family that is heartbroken. She was the keeper of our family history books and hostess of holiday dinners. She also played a mean hand of euchre and was famous for cracking the knuckles of cheaters with a wooden spoon. The Sleeth family is grateful for the support of family and neighbours whose care helped Eileen live comfortably at home until her death. We would like to extend a special note of appreciation to the palliative care team at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario. In lieu of flowers, please support Battersea United Church where Eileen’s spirit lingers in the beauty of the stained glass windows, the peace that settles us in prayer and in the sound of graceful hymns. The family will receive friends at the James Reid Funeral Home, 1900 John Counter Blvd., Kingston on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm, as well as at the Battersea United Church, Church Street, Battersea, ON, on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016 from 1 pm until the funeral service at 2 pm. Rev. Heather McClurg-Murphy to officiate. Eileen Sleeth will be laid to rest at Sandhill Cemetery.
Your work on earth is done, Eileen. Your memory will live on in the laughter, kindness and talent of your children and grandchildren. The world is a better place because of you. Rest in peace.
