Eileen Mary Kent
March 7, 1951 to September 10, 2023
Obituary
To view the funeral service for the late Eileen Kent on Wednesday, September 20 at 11 a.m.,
please follow the link below:
Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Friend, and Wild Nana.
On the afternoon of 10 September 2023, Eileen Mary Kent passed away with family by her side, following a sudden cancer diagnosis. We are grateful to those who helped care for her in the final weeks, especially the nurses, doctors, and paramedics of the Community Palliative Care Program. Thanks as well to her sister Marg, who was daily by her side. With their help, Eileen was able to die peacefully, quietly, and pain-free at her home. She was 72. We mourn her loss and celebrate her life, so very well lived.
Eileen was born on 7 March 1951, on the small island of St. Brendan’s in Bonavista Bay, the sixth of what would be the ten children of Joseph (Joe) Croke and Bridget (Bride, née, Ryan). Her family never had much at the best of times, but Eileen was born during what, we later learned, was called the “hungry month of March,” the period after the root cellars ran empty and before the sea ice broke. Eileen’s father Joe worked with his two brothers operating a small cargo schooner up and down the Labrador coast. With Joe frequently away and money tight, Bride still managed to raise Eileen and the other nine siblings (Elizabeth, Laura, Gord, Edwina, Marie, Shirl, Marg, Kev, and Ron). Those conditions, and the love that held them together, made the Croke siblings extraordinarily close to and protective of each other, even to this day.
During the Resettlement phase of Newfoundland and Labrador’s history, the family moved away from St Brendan’s, first to Carbonear for a year, before finally settling in St John’s. There, along with her sisters Marie, Shirl, and Marg, Eileen attended Holy Heart High School. Between the nuns and the city girls, they all declared it to be overwhelming and intimidating but they got through it. Following graduation, Eileen worked at the Woolco department store before finding a job as a payroll clerk at St. John’s City Hall.
In 1970, the City was audited by the provincial government and this brought Ed Kent, a young man from Bell Island working for the Auditor General, into Eileen’s orbit. Ed had a flashy car he had just bought in Toronto. Casually disregarding potential conflicts of interest, they dated and, in 1972, they married. A few years later, Eileen welcomed her two sons, Eddy and David, into the world. For better or worse, they became the centre of her life. She often said she was worried about Eddy, whom she carried through pregnancy for seven months following her mother’s sudden death in 1978, during which time she said she cried almost every day. Poor Eddy turned out alright, though, as did the more robust and charming David.
After several years at home with the kids, Eileen returned to the workforce in the late 80s, working first at a local daycare, before taking a job as a payroll clerk at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home. In time, the opportunity to become the payroll manager appeared; however, the position required the applicant to have professional certification. This led Eileen on her big adventure–returning to school as a mature student! Those who knew remember how anxious she was about being “the old woman with only her Grade 11” in the university classrooms at MUN. Still, she persevered, completed her courses, sat her exams and was accredited as a Certified Payroll Manager by the Canadian Payroll Association. Her sons were themselves students at the time, and they eventually both became university professors. They are immensely proud of their mom’s determination and accomplishments. Eileen then worked as a payroll manager at St Patrick’s and Hoyles Escasoni homes, eventually becoming the payroll manager of Eastern Health until her retirement in 2016.
During that time, her sons were forming families of their own and the subsequent grandchildren–Felix, Zara, Patrick, and Robyn–supplanted them at Eileen’s emotional centre. As Eddy and David moved variously between Vancouver, Cambridge, New Jersey, Edmonton, and York, Eileen travelled frequently and embraced life as a “wild Nana” (a term coined by Zara). The cliche of home being where the heart lays really was true for Eileen. She was never more comfortable, more content, and more happy, than with them. They adored her in return. During Covid she would sit on FaceTime for hours, doing sums and spelling with her grandchildren. She was proud to share many of their early life events and we mourn bitterly the fact that she will not be there as they grow further. We are consoled that she was in the UK with Patrick and Robyn for six weeks in May and June in full Nana mode, completely unaware of her underlying condition.
She loved to walk, and no one could keep up with her. In mid and late life she was a regular at the Tely 10 and kept a competitive pace. She had “her dad’s legs”, we were told. She especially enjoyed her many walks with her dear friend Ellen Coady and, later in life, with the Portugal Cove / St Philip’s community hiking group. Her other big love was music. She didn’t often sing in public, but our home was full of her singing and humming, idly performed while she was doing other things. We’ll never understand, but will forgive, her love of Rod Stewart. In 2010, she made it to London where she saw him in concert, accompanied by David. There, at her musical Mecca, she said, “Can you imagine a little girl from St. Brendan’s could make it to London to see her favourite singer?” Towards the end of life, she joked that she was finally getting Rod Stewart Hair.
Eileen’s friends, family and coworkers will know that Eileen was both caring and carefree. She turned up when people needed help, especially for her brothers and sisters, and she loved being around foolishness. She knew that the key to humour is first being able to laugh at yourself. The cabins and trailers of Eastport and Gunner’s Pond have corners still echoing with her laughter; as her horizons expanded, that giddiness spread to Banff, Tenerife, Malaga, and Madeira. Even exotic Great Yarmouth!
She grew alongside her family. With Kev, she went camel riding; with Ron she went parasailing; with David she ate sushi; with Felix she tobogganed recklessly; with Zara she chased elk; with Patrick and Robyn she explored the castles of England, and with Eddy she almost drowned in three-feet of water on the Vltava river. A constant with her was Ed, with whom she celebrated 50 years of marriage in December 2022.
Eileen is survived by Ed; Eddy (Terri); David (Jillian); Felix, Zara, Patrick and Robyn; her sisters Bess, Laura (Wally), Edwina (Doug), Marie (Wayne), Shirl (Pat) and Marg; her brothers Gord (Ag), Kev (Yvonne) and Ron (Carol Ann). Also mourning are her in-laws Paul (Liz), Sharon (Dave), Lorne (Linda), Brian (Lynn), Madonna (Rui), Wayne (Wanda), Chris (Corina); as well as other family members, friends, and colleagues around the world. She had many nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved and loved being around, but she had special relationships with nephew Mark Croke and nieces Sarah Croke and Heather Croke. She is predeceased by sisters-in-law Donna and Maureen.
The effect of her life on those around her was incalculable. We will miss her forever.
A Catholic funeral will be held at the Basilica of St John the Baptist, in St John’s at 11:00 am on Wednesday, 20 September 2023. For those unable to attend, this service will be livestreamed on the Basilica’s youtube page: https://t.ly/eileenkent. Following her wishes, we will celebrate Eileen’s life at a later date. If you’d like to share a memory, offer condolences, or update your email on the family’s contact list, please use this link: https://t.ly/eileenkentemail. If you wish to make a gift in her memory, we would welcome contributions to The Gathering Place https://kindnesswanted.ca. Flowers are gratefully declined.
Schedule
funeral
11:00am, Wednesday September 20th
Basilica Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
So sad to hear of Eileen’s passing, I had the privilege of working with Eileen at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home and then Eastern Health until Eileen retired in 2016. Eileen was my mentor and my angel who gave a lot of encouragement and support when I needed it most. It was a pleasure to drop by Eileen’s office for a hearty laugh and to see her eyes light up as she shared pictures of her grandchildren. My condolences to Edd, Eddie, David, her precious grandchildren and members of the Kent and Croke family. RIP my dear friend
So sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. Eileen was a wonderful person who was a pleasure to work with and a fun, genuine person all around! My condolences to you all on the loss of such a wonderful lady.
My sympathies to Edward and his Sons on Eileen’s passing!
RIP Eileen
It was indeed a shock to hear of Eileen’s passing, I had the pleasure of working with her for 16 years. My sincere condolences to the family at this sad time. May you rest in peace Eileen.
Ed and family, I am so sorry to hear about Eileen’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I know her passing will leave a huge emptiness in your lives.
Ramona Cole
Ed and Family,
Our deepest condolences. We really enjoyed our coffee shop visit with you guys over the summer. Now it is a special memory of Eileen. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Special hugs for Marg. Take care.
(We will attend the service on-line)
Vince & Mary Basha
To the Kent and Croake Family
We are so very sorry for your profound loss. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you .
Norman, Adam and Janice ( Dewling) Van De Spiegle
To the Kent and Croke families
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Kevin and Lillian Beresford
To the Kent and Crome families
So sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Kevin and Lillian Beresford
I was so sorry to hear of Eileen’s I’ll ess and passing. Eileen was a great person to work with – very kind, informative and great listener. My condolences on the loss of such a wonderful lady.
Jackie Traverse
Ed, the Kent family, Marie, Gord and the Croke family,
We are so sorry for your great loss….Eileen was a very special, loving woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. May all your precious memories, family and friends help get you through this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Eileen, 💕💕
Don and Barb
My condolences to the Kent and Croke families.. I worked with Eileen at Eastern Health and we shared a passion for doing the Tely 10. I remember how excited and proud she would be after she had completed it. I was so sorry to hear of her passing. With sincere sympathy.
Sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. I worked with Eileen at City Hall back in the 1970’s.
Sincere condolences to Ed & Eileen’s family.
Ed, Marg and the Kent and Croke Families,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. May God give you strength and the love and support of family and friends bring you comfort. Love lives on forever in precious memories and in the hearts of all whose lives have been touched by such a special person, as Dear Eileen. You now have a beautiful Guardian Angel to watch over you. God Bless You all.
With Love and Hugs,
Diane, Don, David and Dayna
Ed, Marg and the Kent and Croke Families,
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy. May God give you strength and the love and support of family and friends bring you comfort. Love lives on forever in precious memories and in the hearts of all whose lives have been touched by such a special person, as Dear Eileen. You now have a beautiful Guardian Angel to watch over you. God Bless You all.
With Love and Hugs,
Diane, Don, David and Dayna
Leen I miss you! We’ve known each other for over 50 years and while we haven’t always lived in the same province, I knew you were somewhere on the globe having a wonderful adventure and you would be sharing it with me on our next telephone call. I’m grateful we had a friendship that we always picked up where we left off no matter how many days or weeks had passed. Ed, Eddy, David and Marg, as well as the rest of the Croke and Kent families, my family prays and hopes that it is comforting to you to read how others have been touched and blessed by Eileen’s/your mom’s presence in their lives. There is an adage we’ve read on many plaques that goes something to the effect that it isn’t the material things you’ve collected in life that are important, but the lives that you’ve touched in a positive way and Eileen’s life exemplifies that. What better is there to help us through our daily grind and the ups and downs we all experience in life, for whatever reason, than to be be blessed by love and humor. Eileen, my dear friend, you gave us both! Mac and I met Eileen and Ed when Eileen started working for our company. Eileen, Ed and Marg became a part of our extended family. Eileen and I shared many of lifes “big” experiences together. We grew bigger together in pregancies and all that entails. I delivered my daughter, then walked down the hall to see how Leen was doing in her delivery. We traveled together, shared pranks that we would be reluctant to admit openly that we did. Leen, as Anne of Green Gables would say, you were a bosoom buddy and you will be missed dearly. I look forward to seeing you on the other side, my dear friend.
I was saddened to hear of Eileen’s passing, it was after she came home from the UK that I was speaking with her on her walk, as I was weeding .on Airport Heights Dr. We chatted and laughed for almost an hour, she was certainly a beautiful lady. I will miss her walking by and having a chat. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Edwina, my deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your sister. Hold close your memories and may they bring you comfort and strength at this difficult time.
I am so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Eileen. My deepest condolences to the Kent and Croke families. I worked closely with Eileen at St. Patrick’s Mercy Home and the St. John’s Nursing Home Board. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Ed, Eddie and David – so sorry to hear about Eileen’s (your Mom’s) passing. We have lost a very kind and gentle person. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
To all of Eileen’s family, I was so sad to read of her passing, sad time for you all, haven’t seen her in a long time but remember her to be very nice & kind.
Thoughts & prayers are with you all at this time
So sorry to read this beautiful obituary. Although I have never met Eileen I can see what a remarkable woman she was through the story of her life . Please accept our condolences. May she soar with the angles and rest in peace.
Ron & Linda
We were totally shocked when we heard of Eileen’s passing. We had a visit from her, Ed, Marg, Ron and his wife a couple of years ago and it was so wonderful for us to speak of old days and the fun we used to have at the Belle Vista.. We won’t get to the funeral as Roy is sick with a cold but our thoughts and prayers will be with you..
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your mom. I never knew her, but as I read your obituary I can’t help but feel a kindredness to this beautiful lady. To say “a life well lived”, would be most modest. How you were able to capture her essence with interactive memories is especially endearing. How proud she must have been of you all. May she RIP.
To all of Eileen’s family Ed/Dave /Eddy I was so sad to hear that Eileen had passed away.I only met her a few years ago after the birth of Patrick.. She was so kind and caring and a much loved Nana to Patrick and Robyn. Sending my love to all of you. I will be thinking of you next Wednesday may she rest in peace. Sue Barlow
Gord, Ag and all the family! So very sorry for your loss! What a beautiful obituary! A beautiful life lived but cut short! Our sympathy to all!
Dear Members of the Croke and Kent Families. We send our sincerest condolences to you all on the passing of Eileen. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad time. God Bless You All. May she rest in Peace.
Marie, so sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. Condolences to all her family.
Edwina – So sorry to read of your sister’’s passing. Sending condolences to your family.. God Bless you. all.
Ed and Family, We are so shocked to hear of Eileen’s passing. She was such an active vibrant person who enjoyed life to the fullest. We know how much her family especially her grandchildren meant to her. Please know that we are thinking of you all during this very difficult time. Sending our Love and Sincerest condolences
Edwina and family. So saddened to read of your sister’s passing, I did not have the pleasure of knowing her but my sister Olive Verge spoke of her with respect and kindness. I don’t recall the author of the quote which I will leave with you:, I hope it will bring you some comfort now and in the days ahead “ TO LIVE IN THE HEARTS OF THOSE WE LOVE IS NOT TO DIE “ Sending sincere condolences. Blessings & Peace. Maude Peach
Hi Edward & Family…So sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing..Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time..
So sorry Marg to read about Eileen’s passing. Thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Hugs.
Condolences to the Croke and Kent families. Marie we were very saddened to hear of the passing of your sister. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. May she Rest In Peace.
Dear Members of the Kent Family .We send our sincerest condolences as we remember a life of joy and goodwill. Requiescat in Pace.
Peter and Hilary Neary
Edwina and family, My condolences on the passing of you sister. May she rest in peace.
So very sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. My sincerest condolences to the Kent and Croke families. May she rest in Peace.
So sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. Such a wonderful obituary for such a wonderful lady. My condolences to the family.
Condolences to the Kent & Croke family. I met Eileen when I worked at Eastetn Health. She was truly a lady always with a smile, sense of humor and positive attitude. May your memories give you comfort in the days ahead.
🙏
Edward, Eddy, David and their families, Eileen’s family and the Kent family, I am deeply sorry for your sudden loss of a wife, mother, grandmother, sister and sister-in-law. I met
Eileen through my friendship with the Kent family and I would have to say we shared a similar sense of humour in the times we gathered together many years ago. The picture chosen is very much how I remember her. My thoughts are with you all as you journey through this difficult time. Anne Marie
Ed, Eddy, David and families, we were so sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. We have many memories of the boys playing together when we lived close by. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
John and Janet McGrath
Our condolences to the Croke/Kent families. .We never knew Eileen personally but have heard of her fondly from Marie, her sister., who is our dear friend.
Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Leslie & Bernice
To the Croke and Kent family
It is with great sadness I learn of Eileen’s passing . My thoughts and prayers are with the families at this very difficult time.
When I think of Eileen a smile always comes to my face. Whether you were at the mall, at church or at a funeral home there was always a story or a joke that would put you into fits of laughter. For someone like me it was very difficult to stop (I think she knew that)
My wish for Eileen is that she is in a place where there is no more pain and the stories and jokes were unlimited. May she rest in Peace
Geri Beresford Graham
Saddened to learn of Mrs. Kent’s passing.. I last spoke to her a few months ago when she was out for a walk. It was a cold damp day but she was full of joy when speaking to me about her grandchildren and the boys. Sincere Condolences from Aubrey and I.
Marg & Family
Marg, Sincere Condolences to you and the Kent and Croke Families on the passing of your Sister.
Bob Bennett
To the Kent and Croke families, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of a beautiful lady, Eileen. May all your wonderful memories help you through this difficult time. God bless!
Marion Butler
Sorry to hear of Eileen s passing , we were friends while growing up on St. BRENDANS . SEEMS LIKE SHE DIDN’T CHANGE MUCH SHE ALWAYS HAD A SMILE FOR EVERYONE
From reading the Obituary, which was beautifully written, we can see it as a testament to Leen’s life which she lived well and filled it with joy and love for her family and friends. Sprinkled in for good measure was her wonderful sense of humour and a taste for some adventures. We were very saddened to hear of her sudden illness and passing. We offer our deepest sympathies to her husband, Ed, her sons Eddie and David and their families, all her dear siblings and relatives in the Croke and Kent families. May her sweet soul Rest in Peace. Godspeed.
Marie and Kevin. Sorry to hear of your sisters passing, please accept my sincere condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Condolences to the Kent and Croke family. Myself and Eileen would have great cats at Tim Hortons. I am sure going to miss her.
Roseann Smart
Ed, Eddy , David & Families. My sincere sympathy goes to all of you on the passing of Eileen. She was a wonderful person ,so proud of her family, who were her love and life. She will be greatly missed by all. Keep all the good memories close. God will give you the strength to go on. God Bless You All. RIP Eileen
Kevin and families ,
So sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. We are thinking about you during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences .
Shirley and Edwina I am so sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. I remember Eileen from a long time ago. She was always funny and pleasant. According to her obituary she certainly had a full and rewarding life but gone way to soon. Condolences to her family. I know you all have many fond memories with Eileen. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. 🙏❤️
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
So sorry to hear this. My thoughts with the family at this time.
Deepest sympathies to the Kent and Croke families. We have fond memories of the early days when our children were young and of the Street BBQ’s with the Forde and Alder Place families. May the wonderful memories you have gathered over the years help to keep her close in your hearts always.
May her memory be a blessing as you navigate the days and weeks ahead.
Sincere condolences to the Kent and Croke families. Such a great loss of such a wonderful person. I worked with Eileen at both the SJNHB and Eastern Health. and her smile and kindness was infectious. My thoughts are with you all!
To the Kent and Croke families; Shocked and saddened to hear of Eileen’s sudden passing. I worked with her at the St. John’s Nursing Home Board and Eastern Health. My thoughts and prayers are with you all, during this time of your great loss. RIP Eileen.
To Ed and family and the Croke family; sincere and heartfelt condolences. Any thought of Eileen evokes a recall of her smile, her laughter and her sense of fun. Take comfort now that others appreciated such candor and Eileen’s positive qualities that enriched their lives. On your remaining journey called ‘life’; a new guide will direct you along the way………….just need to follow that smile!
Ed, David, Marg & Family
I am so sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. We connected often on facebook after Jerry & I visited Newfoundland a few years ago. I will always remember her kindness – I felt like I had known her forever. I also remember lots of laughing on that visit (with Ed & Marg). She gave me the nickname of Beve (with an accent acute) and I’ll keep that in my heart forever. My sincere condolences to you all. She sure was special.
Ed and Family,
So so sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the whole family. Lovely to read about her life, she was a phenomenal woman.
God Bless Phyllis and Paul
Ed and Family,
My deepest condolences.
I was so very sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Condolences to family and friends on the passing of such a remarkable lady.
We’re very sorry for your loss. We wish we could be closer at this time.
Gary, Elizabeth, and Iris
Ed & family and the Croke family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Eileen’s passing and I am so sorry for your great loss. May all your precious memories bring you comfort and peace during this very difficult time. She will be missed. Soar with the angels, Eileen.
My deepest condolences to Ed, Eddy, David, and all extended family and friends. I will miss my friend, Eileen.
The many talks, laughs, and stories, especially, of her beautiful grandkids. I’m so delighted to not only have been her hairstylist, I’m guessing 30 plus yrs, but a friend I felt a warm bond with. I will miss her smile
and great energy coming towards me. RIP Eileen💐
Ron, Carol Ann, Sarah, Heather and family, So very sorry for your loss. Eileen sounds like an amazing human. Hold fast to beautiful memories and draw comfort and strength from the love and support of family and friends.
Ed and Family.
We have no words to express our shock on hearing of Eileen’s passing.Angels walk among us and Eileen sure spread her wings.She was well loved as a Wife,,Mother,Nana,Sibling and Friend to many.She had such a warm heart and was loved by all who knew her.Our sincerest condolences.
The JACKMAN’S.
To the family,
Sorry for your loss ,my sincere condolences
Peter Tracey (co-worker SPMH)
Ed, Eddy, David and families,
We are so saddened to hear of the passing of our dear Eileen. Eileen is such a wonderful woman and will be missed by all those who had the honor of knowing her. Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Edwina, you are in my thoughts as you grieve the passing of your endearing, joyful, adventurous and much loved sister. What fun you must have all had with Eileen around. A free spirit for sure. Until you all meet again, may Eileen rest peacefully in the loving arms of our Lord and Master. HUGS.
Ed and family , we are shocked and saddened to hear of Eileen’s sudden passing . We want to send our sincere condolences to all of you from all our family.
Barbara & Morgan
Ed and family , we are shocked and saddened to hear of Eileen’s sudden passing .We want to send our sincere condolences all of you from all our family.
Barbara & Morgan
Ed, Eddy, David & families, our deepest condolence to you all on the loss of a wonderful wife, mom and grandmother. She lived for her family and that is proudly said in her obituary. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. May all the wonderful memories help you to go on the way she lived, loving life and her family..
My deepest condolences to Ed & family & all of the Croke family. My first meeting of the Croke family was in 1967 when they moved to Carbonear and rented my grandmother’s house. What a beautiful family to move. Into your neighborhood. Eileen was in the same grade as myself & we had great fun comparing school notes. The family was in Carbonear for a year & then moved to St. John’s. I kept up on the family through Gord & Ag.
So sorry to hear of Eileen’s sudden passing. She loved life & family to the max. RIP Eileen as you soar with the angels.
Shocked beyond words and so saddened by the sudden passing of my dear friend Eileen… Condolences to the Croke and Kent families, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time… God bless💔🙏🙏🙏
Ed and Family, Sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. We had many lunches together. I remember up at our cabin we went for a walk and I couldn’t keep up with her. We always had a good laugh when we were together. I will surely miss her. Our thoughts and prayers and with you and all your family at this very said time. Vicki & John Larkin