Eileen Wakeham
November 23, 1925 to September 26, 2020
Obituary
To view the online service for Eileen Wakeham on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 at 11 a.m., please click on the link below:
https://www.oneroomstreaming.com/view/authorise.php?k=160130674878799
Passed away gently at the grand old age of 94 on September 26 at the Health Sciences Complex aft er a mercifully brief illness, Eileen Wakeham, a native of Grand Falls, a long-time resident of Gander and various locations in the United States. Leaving to mourn her children: Bob (Heather Coultas) of Flatrock, NL, Carol and Judy (Mike McKendy) of Fredericton, NB, Jerry (Cheryl) of Maple Shade, New Jersey, and Patricia (Kevin Coslove) of Cinnaminson, NJ; six grandchildren Colleen McKendy Jesso (James) of New Brunswick, Laura McKendy (Geoff), Kristin Van Pelt (Keith) and Kaitlin Riegger (Eric) of New Jersey, and Megan and Ryan Coslove in New Jersey; five great-grandchildren Nathan and Matthew Van Pelt of New Jersey, Jaida and Jackson Jesso of New Brunswick, Elena Riegger of New Jersey, also brother-in-law Bro. Edward Wakeham in St. John’s and sister-in-law Vera Judge in Grand Falls, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and good friends scattered throughout Newfoundland, mainland Canada, and the United States, as well as the Bridge community in St. John’s. Mom was preceded in death by the singular love of her life, her husband Gerry Wakeham; a “Townie”, her parents Joe Judge, a native of Point Verde, Placentia Bay; and Mary Dormody, a native of Fox Harbour, Placentia Bay, both long time residents of Grand Falls; her siblings: Helen, Bill, Ned, Jim, Mary and Joe; and special son in law John McKendy. A special service will be held at the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020 at 11AM, and will be live streamed. Our mother lived just a tremendously interesting and eclectic life, one that saw her leave Newfoundland in the early 60’s with her children when dad was transferred from Gander to Virginia, and then New York City and Philadelphia. Mom became an R.N. in her early 40’s and practiced nursing (pediatrics) in New Jersey until her retirement. She was also an accomplished Bridge player, and achieved Silver Life Master Status, a quite laudable achievement in the Bridge world. (We thought of her as the Gordie Howe of the world’s Bridge leagues). Mom and dad also took advantage of Dad’s pass privileges with Trans World Airlines and jetted like two upper crust rich types (they were, in actuality, just ordinary, middle-class souls) throughout the world, having breakfast in Cairo, lunch in Rome and supper in Dublin. And they enjoyed watching the Rangers at Madison Square Garden and the Flyers at the Spectrum, and gambling in Las Vegas and Atlantic City with a crowd of ex-patriate Newfoundlanders. Mom and Dad returned to their beloved Newfoundland every year, and came back for good eight years ago after a half century in the U.S. Mom and Dad were always the best dancers on the floor, and it’s easy to imagine that as of this past Saturday afternoon, their magical performances had resumed, perhaps among the clouds of Heaven. Our Mom was a lovely person and we will miss her for the rest of our days.
One of the most loving obits i have ever read ( and long) but only because , Eileen sounded like she had a great attitude towards life! Wish i knew her. Sorry for your loss Bob and family……….Cathy….
From Balbo Street to moving to the U.S. in the early 60s and returning to Newfoundland, our families have shared a deep connection..over the years. Lots of happy memories.
As you grieve the loss of you Mom, we hope you hold all the memories, stories and laughter close in your hearts.
Thinking of you all at this sad time.
The Baird family: Ida, Jean (Gerard Hayes) and Dave (Jeannie)
Eileen was a very special member of our duplicate bridge club. Bridge was a very important part of Eileen’s life and helped her make some very special friends when she came back to live in St. John’s in 2012. She was a joy to play with and a fearsome opponent. She will be missed. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Sending our sympathies to all the family; what a warm tribute to your mom you’ve written, it captures her vibrant personality. . We were saddened to learn of Aunt Eileen’s passing. Jennifer and I have fond memories of our visits with Aunt Eileen and Uncle Jerry in their New Jersey home, and glad we had the opportunity to visit more recently at Bob’s home with some of us Penton’s.
Thinking of you all, on this sad occasion.
so sorry to hear of the passing of this wonderful person. our hearts go out to bob and heather.
Bob, Heather & family
Thinking of you at this sad time and sending our
warmest condolences on the loss of your Mom.
Gerry & Velma Davis
Condolences to the Wakeham family,
I met Eileen at or bridge club. She was a wonderful bridge player and a fun person to be around. She made us all smile!!! God Bless her and may she rest in peace.
To Eileen’s family,
Condolences on the passing of your beloved mother.
I became acquainted with Eileen at the bridge club & was one of many who transported Eileen to the club.
We had wonderful conversations about Grand Falls .
Eileen went through school with my father & we sorted through many connections with Grand Falls .
Eileen was a skilled bridge player , especially in No Trump contracts .
Sincerely
Mary Lou ( Browne) Martin
Bob and family,
Sincerest condolances upon the passing of your Mom..
We were very fortunate to have the pleasure of her company over the past few years. She certianly was a wonderful Lady.
Bob, Carol, Judy, Jerry, Catherine ,Patricia and families:
So sorry to read of your Mom’s passing this morning.. I have many happy memories of the years both of our families resided in Gander and the trip to visit you all in the USA. I remember the years that your Dad played in the Band with Dad. As you said your parents were great dancers and I am sure they are doing so in Heaven to the music of my Dad’s heavenly orchestra. If our Dad’s are discussing music then our Mom’s are planning a bridge game with the other “Ganderites”. I will try to get to the service on Wednesday but appointments may not allow. I will have my Uncle have a Mass in celebration of her life.
Sending sympathy to Eileen’s family upon her passing. I played many games of bridge against Eileen at our duplicate club, and she was a charming, feisty competitor. Such a lovely lady; she will be greatly missed.
My beautiful treasured friend, for the past 5 years, who with her expertise in Bridge, helped me become a better person, and bridge player.
Loved our games and friendship..
Will miss her dearly.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Bob and Heather, sad to hear of Mrs. Wakeham’s passing.. She was a lovely lady, indeed, who I was ;privileged to meet while working at Walmart. She lived a very full and rich life in her 94 years. God Bless her. May she rest peacefully.