Eileen Wilhelmina Leifso of Dutton, formerly of R.R. #2 Elmwood, passed away at Bobier Villa, Dutton on Saturday, January 15, 2011 in her 86th year.
Eileen (Dietsche) was born in 1925 and grew up in a happy home on a farm northeast of Walkerton with her parents Laura (1981) and Harry (1983) and her brother Carl (1981). In 1957, on their 100th date, Eileen married Stanley Leifso. She read stories, built Lego, puzzles and shaped a lot of play dough with her children Will (Krystal) and Iona, the children she cared for Dale, Robin, Todd, Troy, Brent, Joel, Blair, Kyle Leifso then her first grandchildren Laura (Adam Olive) and Josh Leifso and Kerissa Woolley. She is also survived by her younger grandchildren Mitchell, Jordin, Jamall and Quicha and a newborn great granddaughter Cali. After her beloved Stan suddenly passed away in 1992, Eileen moved from their RR#2 Elmwood farm into a Hanover apartment to live independently for the first time in her life. Stan’s sister Ruth (late Walter Hamel), brother Merv, and his wife Beverly helped take his place caring for Eileen. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church Elmwood, Malcolm Women’s Institute, Elmwood Seniors. Eileen was befriended by her 7th and 8th Avenue Hanover neighbours who filled her days with visits to their homes, restaurants, and community events. In 2006, Eileen eagerly moved to Dutton to live at Bobier Villa, two doors away from Iona and Special K. Eileen provided unconditional love, remained calm and content through the rough waters of a modest life, she valued people more than possessions, well aware that memories are all that she could take with her.
A graveside service celebrating Eileen’s life will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Elmwood in the spring with a casual gathering of family and friends to follow.
In lieu of floral arrangements or donations, please consider a living memorial by planting some flowers or a tree where you can watch them bloom and grow.
Arrangements entrusted to Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley. Condolences may be forwarded through www.rhodyfamily.com
