January 27, 2022
January 27, 2022
Hard to believe that a year has passed since you left us. You will always have a place in my heart! Missing a special lady! Cousin Jeanette.
It is with heavy hearts we share the passing of our Mom, Eileen Margaret Fairfield on January 27, 2021 at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.
Eileen's family was her raison d'être. She was a loving and proud mother, treasured Nana, sister, aunt and friend. She was beloved to many and will be deeply missed.
Eileen was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and as an "Army Brat", she grew up in several Canadian cities, including Camp Borden ON, London ON, Montreal QC, Halifax NS and Calgary AB. She maintained and treasured friendships and relationships with friends and family across the country. We shared many laughs as she shared her stories of adventure and mischief through her school years. Her life with her family carried her from Calgary to Edmonton, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Medicine Hat, and Vancouver, BC, before coming to Lethbridge in 2016.
In recent years, Eileen had discovered a passion for genealogy and celebrating her family's heritage. All things Celtic called to her blood, especially music. She loved to watch Pipe and Drum bands "on the march" and would have loved to one day travel to Ireland and Scotland and experience the homeland of her family history. The military service of her father and her uncles inspired a deep respect for Canada's soldiers and veterans. She was proud to be a member of the Lethbridge Legion, General Stewart Branch 4, and to support the Last Post Fund.
Eileen is survived by her children, Darrel (& Jacqueline) Doering, Charlene (& Kevin) Mack, and Colleen (& Scott) Doering; her grandchildren Megan, Alycia, Nathan, Kaleb, Noah, Jordan, Sam, Sarah, Jamie, and Saidee; her two sisters Patricia Fairfield and Joanne Baxter, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents Marguerite Marie (Jones) and William Reginald Lawrence Fairfield, her brother Paul Reginald Fairfield and her nephew Welsley Reginald Burnett.
The unexpected loss of Eileen leaves a hole in our hearts, and a deafening silence in our home. Her grandchildren adored her and will miss the special moments she lived to share with each of them. We will miss her bright smile, her easy laugh, her welcoming and loving presence.
The Funeral Mass for Eileen took place on Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 at St. Basil's Catholic Church in Lethbridge AB. The Funeral livestream is available at the link in the Gallery - Video section of this webpage.
Eileen's family was her raison d'être. She was a loving and proud mother, treasured Nana, sister, aunt and friend. She was beloved to many and will be deeply missed.
Eileen was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and as an "Army Brat", she grew up in several Canadian cities, including Camp Borden ON, London ON, Montreal QC, Halifax NS and Calgary AB. She maintained and treasured friendships and relationships with friends and family across the country. We shared many laughs as she shared her stories of adventure and mischief through her school years. Her life with her family carried her from Calgary to Edmonton, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Medicine Hat, and Vancouver, BC, before coming to Lethbridge in 2016.
In recent years, Eileen had discovered a passion for genealogy and celebrating her family's heritage. All things Celtic called to her blood, especially music. She loved to watch Pipe and Drum bands "on the march" and would have loved to one day travel to Ireland and Scotland and experience the homeland of her family history. The military service of her father and her uncles inspired a deep respect for Canada's soldiers and veterans. She was proud to be a member of the Lethbridge Legion, General Stewart Branch 4, and to support the Last Post Fund.
Eileen is survived by her children, Darrel (& Jacqueline) Doering, Charlene (& Kevin) Mack, and Colleen (& Scott) Doering; her grandchildren Megan, Alycia, Nathan, Kaleb, Noah, Jordan, Sam, Sarah, Jamie, and Saidee; her two sisters Patricia Fairfield and Joanne Baxter, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents Marguerite Marie (Jones) and William Reginald Lawrence Fairfield, her brother Paul Reginald Fairfield and her nephew Welsley Reginald Burnett.
The unexpected loss of Eileen leaves a hole in our hearts, and a deafening silence in our home. Her grandchildren adored her and will miss the special moments she lived to share with each of them. We will miss her bright smile, her easy laugh, her welcoming and loving presence.
The Funeral Mass for Eileen took place on Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 at St. Basil's Catholic Church in Lethbridge AB. The Funeral livestream is available at the link in the Gallery - Video section of this webpage.
Tributes
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February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
We treasure the memories of Eileen, when she came to our home for get togethers, with Scott and Colleen and Super Sam,and Sarah. [well Sarah wasn't born yet ]. Such a sweet lady,,,so easy to talk with,,,,Dennis and Linda Davies.
February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021
I am mindful today of two special ladies united in God’s Love: Marguerite, Eileen’s mom, who passed away 20 years ago today and sister-in-law, Eileen who we prayed for...some of us virtually, at St.Basil’s Church. May they find peace and comfort knowing that their lives touched many people. May you be granted courage and strength Darrel, Charlene and Colleen; sisters, Pat and Joanne and all of our families as we miss the loss of a beautiful person, Eileen.
February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021
Scott, Aurora, Arianna and I will miss Auntie Eileen.
February 15, 2021
February 15, 2021
Nana was loving, kind, and always full of laughter. Memories of her will remain in our hearts forever. <3 Love, Alycia & Dan
February 15, 2021
February 15, 2021
May you find peace and comfort! Sadly missed by cousin Jeanette and family!
February 15, 2021
February 15, 2021
So sad to learn of the sudden passing of my dear cousin Eileen! Forever in our thoughts and prayers!
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
January 27, 2022
January 27, 2022
Hard to believe that a year has passed since you left us. You will always have a place in my heart! Missing a special lady! Cousin Jeanette.
February 18, 2021
February 18, 2021
We treasure the memories of Eileen, when she came to our home for get togethers, with Scott and Colleen and Super Sam,and Sarah. [well Sarah wasn't born yet ]. Such a sweet lady,,,so easy to talk with,,,,Dennis and Linda Davies.
February 17, 2021
February 17, 2021
I am mindful today of two special ladies united in God’s Love: Marguerite, Eileen’s mom, who passed away 20 years ago today and sister-in-law, Eileen who we prayed for...some of us virtually, at St.Basil’s Church. May they find peace and comfort knowing that their lives touched many people. May you be granted courage and strength Darrel, Charlene and Colleen; sisters, Pat and Joanne and all of our families as we miss the loss of a beautiful person, Eileen.
Gallery
Grade 9 class picture - St. Mary's Academy Winnipeg. Eileen is 1st on right in 2nd row from top.
Eileen with Dorothy Callaghan & Tara Smalley 1988
Eileen with Don Doering - 1967
Eileen with Dodie in Banff - 1967
Pretty Eileen - Winnipeg 1966
Eileen in Edmonton - 1967
Eileen as Tara Smalley's Confirmation Sponsor - 1988
Eileen - 1967
Pat, Joanne, Eileen in 2010
Recent stories
February 24, 2021
Eileen and I met in Grade 9 at St. Mary's Academy in Winnipeg. We were both 'Army Brats' and lived about a block from each other in the Armed Forces Permanent Married Quarters. We became friends almost immediately. Eileen's passing brought back so many fond memories of the two of us as teenagers. We laughed, we cried, we shared happy times and troubled times. The group we were part of usually spent at least one weekend night 'hanging out' at Eileen's mom & dad's house listening to music. So much fun. One thing I will always remember about Eileen is her infectious laugh and her beautiful smile. Although life took us both in different directions we continued to stay in touch over the years. Eileen was a special friend. She was loved and will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.
February 17, 2021
by Janice Rose
I think the last time I saw Auntie Eileen was on a trip to Calgary when I was working up in Whitehorse as a nurse. It was probably around 2006 or so. Auntie Eileen, Colleen and I went out for brunch. Prior to that, I remember spending a mini vacation in Vancouver over the long weekend one May. I cannot remember how, but somehow learned that it was Darrel and Jacqueline's wedding and attended the special event at the church.
Also, when I was in residency, one of the residents in my program, upon learning my last name, actually remembered Auntie Eileen as one of his patients. He was on a Cardiology rotation in Calgary and she had had a heart attack around that time. 'Fairfield' wasn't a last name he had heard very often, and he asked me if I was related to her. I smiled and said that she was my aunt. He had fond memories of her as a patient and I was very touched that he would have remembered her (as we meet many patients) and obviously this spoke to her character and personality.
Auntie Eileen had the same crystal blue eyes that Grandma and Dad had. I remember her laugh. I also felt very special that she had made a special effort to connect with me over the last couple of years. She crocheted Fergus a blanket and also one for us. I know that she did it with a lot of love. The two of us connected with Facebook messages and she remembered Fergus' 4th birthday and sent him a little video. I showed it to him that evening, and, being tired from work, I was going to send a reply the following day, but something told me to respond to her with a video that evening. I couldn't have known that she would have her heart attack and get so sick all of a sudden the next day.
I was struck by how sad I felt after her death. It really brought back some painful memories of when my Dad died so suddenly when I was 17. The two of them resembled one another and I felt the loss deeply as it felt as though another part of my connection with the Fairfields was gone.
I must remember that we will meet again someday, and I am also grateful for the connection I share with the Fairfield side of the family with my aunts and cousins. Please know that you are all thought of and cared for, and I hope we can connect again in person.
Also, when I was in residency, one of the residents in my program, upon learning my last name, actually remembered Auntie Eileen as one of his patients. He was on a Cardiology rotation in Calgary and she had had a heart attack around that time. 'Fairfield' wasn't a last name he had heard very often, and he asked me if I was related to her. I smiled and said that she was my aunt. He had fond memories of her as a patient and I was very touched that he would have remembered her (as we meet many patients) and obviously this spoke to her character and personality.
Auntie Eileen had the same crystal blue eyes that Grandma and Dad had. I remember her laugh. I also felt very special that she had made a special effort to connect with me over the last couple of years. She crocheted Fergus a blanket and also one for us. I know that she did it with a lot of love. The two of us connected with Facebook messages and she remembered Fergus' 4th birthday and sent him a little video. I showed it to him that evening, and, being tired from work, I was going to send a reply the following day, but something told me to respond to her with a video that evening. I couldn't have known that she would have her heart attack and get so sick all of a sudden the next day.
I was struck by how sad I felt after her death. It really brought back some painful memories of when my Dad died so suddenly when I was 17. The two of them resembled one another and I felt the loss deeply as it felt as though another part of my connection with the Fairfields was gone.
I must remember that we will meet again someday, and I am also grateful for the connection I share with the Fairfield side of the family with my aunts and cousins. Please know that you are all thought of and cared for, and I hope we can connect again in person.
February 17, 2021
by Leanne Blatz
Rest In Peace Aunty.Aunty was such a great supportive lady.She has a genuine gift and reached out to all.will miss you