Obituary of Eileen Devaney

Marion Eileen Devaney

Dec. 24, 1950 - Jan. 31, 2019

Eileen had a peaceful passing at Temiskaming Hospital attended by her husband Russ, close friend Brenda and cousin Mary Anne.  Predeceased by her parents Marie and John Devaney (Charlton, Englehart), sister Patricia (Montreal), her Aunt Mamie and Uncle Mikey (Englehart) as well as her biological parents Anna Decoaste (LA) and Randy Morgan (Ontario), Eileen is survived by her husband Russ, brother Stephen (BC), Aunt Jackie (Calgary), nephew Mathieu, nieces Sarah and Stephanie as well as grand-niece Savannah and grand-nephew Lochlan (all in Montreal), and five half-siblings as well as 12 Mahoney cousins across Canada and 12 O’Donoghue  cousins based in Niagara and Calgary.

Eileen was a life-long learner - attending elementary and high-school in Englehart before moving to southern Ontario to study education at Brock University (including an archeological dig in France). She taught school in Old Fort Labrador for a few years before returning to Englehart and eventually moved to New Liskeard where she also attended Agricultural College.

Eileen was an accomplished writer, poet and musician, as well as teacher of music and composer.  Russ describes her as the most ecumenical person he’d ever met, playing music in different local churches with some of her compositions played in churches across Canada.

She will be dearly missed by her family and a wide network of friends – including adopted mothers and sisters in the local community as well as friends around the world.  She fostered many good moments for so many people – sponsoring over 100 infant sweaters to be knitted by Norma for newborns as well as musical birthday calls to family and friends with accordion accompaniment.  Eileen truly enjoyed food and friendship and had a fondness for thinly sliced tomato sandwiches which Russ took every day to hospital.

Heart- felt thanks to the nursing staff, doctors as well as support staff at Temiskaming Hospital for the wonderful care and comfort given to Eileen over the last six months – with particular thanks to coordinator Linda Bea as well as Dr. Leger and Dr. Alexander.  In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Volunteer Department at Temiskaming Hospital.

Eileen’s memorial and internment will take place in May and the date will be announced and circulated in April.