Obituary of Eileen Joyce Durdle, New Waterford

With sadness we share the news of the passing of Eileen Joyce (Gregor) Durdle, on July 21, 2021. A life-long resident of New Waterford, Eileen shared the family home at 472-8th Street with her late husband of 53 years, Edward L. Durdle. There they raised their four daughters, Nancy, Lynne, Evelyn and Joan, and for his short life, their son, Gregor. Born on Easter Sunday, April 8, 1928 to the late John C. (Jack) Gregor (d. 1976) and Bertha (Crockett) Gregor (d.1956). Eileen was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been predeceased by her brother, James Gregor (late Germaine) in 2005; her sister, Marguerite (Peggy) Harrington (late William) in 2012 and younger sister Joan (Donald) Sharpe in 1956. As a Registered Nurse and proud graduate of the Glace Bay General Hospital School of Nursing class of 1949, Eileen spent most of her nursing career in the Paediatric Department of New Waterford Consolidated Hospital. She took pride in finding something good in every child. She shared close friendships in the nursing community, including those in the GBGH Nursing Alumni. Often called on to be the neighbourhood nurse, Eileen shared her skills and time with many people in her community over the years. Eileen had a very strong Christian faith which brought her great comfort. Calvin United Church was a large part of her life. A member since childhood, she attended Services, sang in the Senior Choir and taught Sunday School and CGIT. As a Lifetime Member of the United Church Women, Eileen spent many hours in Calvin Church Hall alongside the other women who helped with many church events. She also served on Boards and Committees whenever asked. Mum was lots of fun. She never took herself too seriously and an opportunity to dress from her “tickle trunk” was never missed. Friends, family and co-workers were often dragged into her exploits...some willingly. Lots of laughter followed Mum wherever she went. Family vacations were spent in Point Michaud and New Campbellton ....she loved the ocean, especially when it was rough; and swam in the cold Atlantic until her early eighties. Left with a lifetime of treasured memories are her four girls and their husbands; Nancy and Donald O’Brien; Lynne and Duncan Gillis; Evelyn and Donald Nieforth; and Joan and John Chafe. Eileen is also fondly remembered by her grandchildren; Cheryl O’Brien and Matthew O’Brien; Duncan (Carla Sparkes) Gillis; Michael (Lisa) Gillis; and Maureen (Carl) Wrobleski; Colin Nieforth and Kelly Nieforth; Jack (Terri) Chafe, Kristen (Mackenzie Shaw) Chafe, and Kathleen (Steve) Nash. Stories of GG will be shared with her great-grandchildren; Finn and Reed McLellan, Brynn and Gregor Gillis, Maggie Gillis; Jenna and Gage Wrobleski; Dexter and Maxim Nieforth, Koreena Young; J.R. , Colin and Neil Chafe and Eli Nash. Every life has some tears. Eileen lost Ed in 2003, their son Edward Gregor in 1966, and their great-grandson Bergen Edward Gillis in 2003. A strong and fiercely independent woman, Mum remained in her home until July 2017. We are grateful she was then welcomed into the Maple Hill Manor community. There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and guidance of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 2 p.m. in Calvin United Church, New Waterford, with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating. Limited seating with masks and social distancing mandatory. Burial will follow in Union Grove Cemetery, Scotchtown. Donations in her memory may be made to Calvin United Church or a charity of choice. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. 'Life is but a stopping place, a pause in what's to be, a resting place along the road to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, different paths along the way, we all were meant to learn some things but never meant to stay. Our destination is a place, far greater than we know. For some the journey's quicker, for some the journeys slow. And when the journey finally ends, we'll claim a great reward and find an everlasting peace, together with the lord.'