Obituary of Eileen Rossiter

In Memory of Eileen Rossiter

R.I.P.

It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that our family announces the sudden passing of Eileen Rossiter, a loving wife, mother and grandmother.  Leaving to mourn are her husband, Douglas Rossiter; children, Susan White (John), Debbie Hovanak (Joe), Denise Lambert (Ross), Catherine Rossiter (Remy), Lisa Rossiter and Rick Rossiter (Annmarie); grandchildren, Michael, Danielle, Meghan (Brad), Brittany, Bryan (Kimberly), Julia (Ben), Conor (Malissa), Alexa, Claire, Erin, Charlie and David; great-grandchildren, Miranda, Sheyanna, Reed, Jackson, Finn, Hayden, Emerson, Alaska and Atlas, Archer and Reign; sister, Mary Dwyer (Kevin - deceased);  brothers, William Scanlon, Jerome Scanlon (Noreen); sisters-in-law, Gloria Scanlon, Sue Bonderski, Doreen  Bancroft and Sandra Rossiter; brother-in-law, Wayne Rossiter (Florence - deceased) as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Tori Hovanak; parents, Dominic and Emma Jane Scanlon; sisters, Elsie Mahar (Aloysius), Ellen Gould (Raymond), Alma Lee (Matthew), Elizabeth Prosper (Patrick); brothers, Leo Scanlon, Edward Scanlon (in infancy); in-laws; Gerald and Catherine Rossiter; brothers-in-law; William Rossiter, Gerald Rossiter and Tom Rossiter (Margaret).

Eileen hailed from the Mi’kmaq community, and like the traditions of her ancestry, she continually explored her surroundings and loved to discover new experiences. She was proud of her heritage, passing this pride to her children, her grandchildren and generations to come.

She was born on the Great Northern Peninsula in Bartlett’s Harbor, NL and moved to Corner Brook at the young age of 16. She later moved to St. John’s where she met Doug who was in the military, stationed in Torbay.  They fell in love, married and grew their large family. She was a strong, dedicated mother with a beautiful smile and a laugh that would warm the hearts of those around her. Eileen worked hard raising her family and brought abundant energy to everything she did which continued until her passing. She loved the many lifelong friends she made along the way.  

Eileen was a generous, charitable person that gave freely of her time and energy.   She was a devout Catholic and thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the Church, the Food Bank and other organizations within her community. 

Eileen went by many names, daughter, sister, wife, mother, Nan and Granny. She was a special person to so many. Eileen has gone on a new journey, leaving many behind. Through our memories she will live forever in a special place in our hearts.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral service, by request. Donations in memory may be made to Gander and area food banks. Arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. Online condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.

She Is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone

Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back

Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what she would want:

smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Poem based on a short verse by David Harkins

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