Eileen Hanson, SANDERSON
February 16, 1934-January 8, 2014
The Matriarch of our family passed on to be with her Lord, in the Campbell River Hospital on January 8, 2014. Eileen was born in the Peace River Region of Northern Alberta. She grew up in Victoria, spent her teenage years in the Comox Valley where she met and married Art Hanson.
In 1959 they settled in Campbell River with 3 of their 4 children. James completed the family in 1963.
After wrangling cattle for a few years on 17 acres, north of Campbell River, Mom was inspired to develop a mobile home park, Forest Glen. Mom never lost the ability or drive to create or start new things. She loved crafts, painting, gardening, garage sales and especially her family and extended family. The littlest ones were her delight.
Mom was an excellent cook; large family dinners of up to 30 were the norm. Wintering in Arizona with friends and relatives made for some great stories when they returned in the Spring. Mom's travels took her to Norway to research her "roots". Returning home she spent many months compiling the information into a Family History book.
Mom held a positive outlook on life, refused to give up or buckle under pressure and was as "tough as nails". She survived a liver transplant at 66 years of age, a heart valve replacement 2 years later and outlived 2 husbands.
Predeceased by her parents, her husband Arthur, second husband Leslie Sanderson and her brother Richard.
Mom is survived by her 4 children, Chuck (Marie) Hanson, Shelley (Bill) Gereluk, John Hanson and James (Tammy) Hanson, her grandchildren, Robert (Kate) Hanson, Gordon (Jill) Hanson, Richard (CarrieLynn) Gereluk, April (Jeremy) Shirran, Sherilyn (Brandon) Benbrook, Timothy, Shelley, Melissa and Jennifer Hanson and Sierra Shaw, great grandchildren, Alex, Jack, Summer, Lucas, Carter, Sydney, Ben, Ava, Clarissa, Shaylynn, Deegan, Daelin and Ashton.
Also her brother Mel (Marg) Bacon of Victoria, sisters Shirley (Del) Christiansen of Victoria, Dhorea (Javier) Sanchez of La Paz Mexico and their families.
The family thanks Dr. Baerg, the third floor nurses and the Home Support Team for their outstanding care.
A Memorial will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 1:00 pm at Christian Life Fellowship at 445 Merecroft Road.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Campbell River Hospital Foundation.