Obituary of Mrs. Eileen Begy

EILEEN THERESA BEGY

October 20, 1926 – April 15, 2019

Eileen was born in Port Dalhousie to Joseph and Mary Baker. Upon completion of secondary school, she worked at Ridley College in St. Catharines as a secretary to Head Masters Dr. H.G. Griffith and Dr. J. R. Hamilton. Eileen was an avid athlete and participated in baseball, basketball, track and field and bowling leagues in her youth. She remained interested in many sports and enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in many sporting activities.

On May 24, 1951 Eileen married Creighton (Barney) Begy whom she had met at a ‘Young Peoples’ group a few years earlier. The newlyweds moved to Toronto where their four children were born. After raising the children, she returned to work as a bookkeeper before retiring in 1990. Barney and Eileen were married for 47 years before Barney passed away in 1998.

Throughout the years, she maintained her independence and lived a life of true faithfulness. She and Barney were original parishioners of Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church and instrumental in the development of the parish community. Eileen continued to enjoy the weekly coffee group at the church even after moving to The Court at Pringle Creek in Whitby in May 2017. She enjoyed her new home and meeting new friends. She was known to be quite lucky at the races and bingo in the lounge!

A trip to her home in the summer provided all with an oasis of beautiful gardens and a horticultural education. Her expertise continues to be a source of beauty for us with shared perennials growing in our own gardens. She appreciated the quietness of nature.

Eileen embraced new activities and learning. She was ready when any opportunity was presented from trips to the theatre in Stratford, casinos, dining and shopping! She had a very keen eye for fashion and “bling”– there was always room for a new ‘piece of jewelry’! Whether stepping out for lunch, coffee, a quick browse of her favourite stores, a trip to the local branches of the Toronto Public Library for more books, or even quietly lounging at home or on her deck (maybe even with a few pieces of chocolate!), she was always impeccably dressed and adorned with coordinating jewelry. She did sparkle!

Perhaps she could tell us the secret to a sharp mind as hers included daily crosswords, reading and absorbing information from a variety of sources. She discussed the news of the day and was keenly interested in everyone’s lives and interests from jobs to decorating to even the recent Black Hole photos. She actively participated in conversations and offered informed opinions on a wide range of topics. She was enthusiastic and supportive of our goals. An original modern woman – empowered with confidence and strength of character.

Family was the centre of her life. She is the proud mother to Christopher (Christina), Peter (Jane), Mary (Steve Maker) and Paul (Dianne); adored gramma to Alexandra, Bryan (Jennifer), Genevieve (Michael), Monique (Eric), Sean, Michael (Stephanie), Bradley (Allyson), Courtney and Carley and great-gramma to Grace, Nathan, Alexandra, Elisabeth, Avery and Cadence.

Even as the family grew and moved to new places, she always had time for all of us. A phone call to Mom left one feeling informed and valued – she was the linchpin to the happenings of all the kids and grandkids! She didn’t need a physical calendar to remember where we all were and what we were all doing – it was stored in her brilliant mind! She kept us all in the loop! She was our matriarch. Her constant love and caring was a tremendous support. We all care deeply for each other and this is not by happenchance but reflects her belief that family matters above all else.  Our family parties and celebrations are active (or known to be loud!), fun, and treasured by all generations.

Eileen was an inspiring woman.  She relied on her deep faith and acceptance brought her peace. The insight and life values she exuded could be shared and emulated by many. As defined, remarkable people are those who we “remark about” as being exceptional, interesting, incredible – truly, Eileen was a remarkable woman. She lived a life of selfless love, faith, grace and devotion to her family. Our memories will allow us to forever remember her as our remarkable Mom, Gramma, and Great-Gramma.

You will always be the “light in our lives” and shine brightly within our hearts.