December 4, 1960 - December 1, 2020
Eileen's short illness took our beloved mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend on December 1, just three days short of her 60th birthday. The third of 4 kids, and later, the fifth of 6 in a blended family, Eileen was the family organizer. In happy and sad times, she gave her heart - and did most of the work. Her sister Cheryl says she was loved and admired for her strength during health and other challenges, like when she was in leg braces as an infant, under the care of big brother Murray.
Eileen grew up in North Vancouver, spent married life in Richmond and worked for 30 years at The Vancouver Sun as city desk assistant. In the newsroom she met the love of her life, Paul Tamemoto, whom she married in 1994. Son Brendan was born in 1998. Summers at the lake at Naramata with brother Dennis and family were a highlight of their year. Eileen and Brendan lost Paul to cancer in 2009.
Childhood pal Sue recalls they called each other "Man." Eileen moved to Fanny Bay near Sue after Paul died. Sue, a tremendous support until the end, said this farewell: "Bye, Man - I love you." Family, friends and former colleagues remember Eileen as lovely, happy, easy-going, kind and "a rosy-cheeked ray of sunshine." Eileen was an animal lover. Her mother Lorna recalls her volunteering to take 2 classroom hamsters for the summer. Then they multiplied. She had a series of dogs, especially pugs named Lucy. Dog visitors were always welcome at her place.
Eileen leaves Brendan (Susie), her parents Lorna and Larry Krangle, siblings Murray (Pam), Cheryl (Jeff), Dennis (Marianne), Barry (Holly) and Karenn (Craig), bestie Sue Emerson (Jim), 9 nieces and nephews and her dogs, Lucy and Maggie. Thanks to Eileen's many nurses and doctors, especially Dawn, Dani and Liz, Lynne and Lynne (NIC) and Baillie at the hospice at The Views. Their care and love gave us, and especially Eileen, strength to push on. Thanks to Dr. Hopwood, Dr. Harris and Dr. Reggler for their guidance.
A celebration of life will be held later. Donations in lieu of flowers please to the B.C. Cancer Foundation or The Views hospice in Comox.