Eileen Caron, beloved mother, grandmother and aunt, died peacefully on April 15th in her 97th year. Survived by her daughter, Christina Caron (Glen Hodgson), grandsons Andrew and David, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband, Leo Alfred Caron; sons Roderick Neil and David; and brother Gerald.
Born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, she served with the Royal Observer Corps tracking enemy aircraft in World War II. A war bride, she met and married Leo, who served in Europe with the RCAF, in 1944. They travelled widely in their early married life, living in France, Quebec, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
Following Leo's retirement from the RCAF in 1963, they settled in Roxboro, near Montreal, where she lived for the next 50 years, creating a warm and welcoming home. She completed a degree from McGill University (B. Ed, 1979) and worked at Rolls Royce, St. George's School and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Following retirement at 65, she continued her travels in Europe, North America and the Caribbean, and embarked on a dizzying array of activities, including oil painting, line dancing, ballroom dancing, French classes and continuing education at McGill, while also maintaining an active social life and being a doting Grandma. A talented artist, she painted some 50 oil canvases after her retirement.
She moved to Ottawa in 2013, living at Amica Westboro for three years, and subsequently with Christina and Glen at their Manor Park home.
She was a loving and supportive mother and grandmother, and a loyal friend who maintained many lifelong friendships. Her gentle and kind demeanour belied her bravery and resilience. In times of adversity, she displayed remarkable grace, courage and determination, and always integrity. An early feminist, she was a lifelong supporter of social justice. She attached a high value to education. In addition, she was fun-loving and always game for new adventures. She valued family above all else. She adored her grandchildren, and was there for every birthday and Christmas.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 am on Friday, April 29, at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa.