Eileen Klymko passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024, at the Rainycrest Long Term Care Home at the age of 104. She was born on July 15, 1920, in Fort Frances.
Eileen Klymko (nee Bartush) was the devoted wife of the late Michael Klymko and the loving mother of Dan (Julie), Anthony, Michelene (Alan), the late Therese (Steve) and Eugene (Josie). Eileen was the loving grandmother of Nancy, Michael, Laura, Heather and Melissa. She dearly loved her great-grandchildren Katrina, Mackenzie, Hayley, Keegan, Wesley, Ryan, Hannah, Landon and Evan. She was also blessed with many step children and step-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family.
Eileen was the first born child of the late Max and Leonilla Bartush (nee Boileau). She was the eldest of ten children (Betty Iris, Jacqueline, Frances, Ronald, the late Helen Bachman, the late Charles Bartush, the late Maxine Wahsum, the late Rita Morrison, and the late Florence Lyons).
During the 1960’s she was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League Executive, and continued as a member for many years. She crocheted dolls, tatted, and made numerous desserts and candy for the St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and the Rainycrest bazaars. She once served as the president of the LaVerendrye Hospital Auxiliary in 1966-67, and contributed as a member into her later years. She particularly loved working on the Strawberry Social each year. Eileen was a member of the Parent Teachers Association of St. Mary’s Catholic School, as well as an executive member of the Fort Frances High School Home and School Association.
Eileen was an avid gardener and was often seen diligently working in her garden. She enjoyed all the vegetables and berries, and spent endless hours canning and freezing to share them with her family. Eileen and her husband Mike were always very generous in sharing the vegetables that they grew in the garden. When Eileen was older and living alone, she would put vegetables out in the yard for anyone who wanted them. She loved to garden and found significant joy in sharing it with others. She was a talented pie maker, and our family misses the scrumptious fresh raspberry and strawberry pies that she used to make.
Eileen led the morning rosary group at St. Mary’s Church with her husband from 1981 to 1995. She later coordinated saying it with other parishioners. In 2013, it became more difficult for her to get to the church; however, she carried on with her prayers at home.
In her later years, she continued with her hobbies including knitting, crocheting, tatting, sewing, baking, playing cards and cutting hair. Many people that she knew were gifted crocheted hats or beautiful pieces of tatting that she made; in particular the Christmas decorations including icicles, candy canes and large and small Christmas trees.
Eileen appreciated her relatives and friends who spent time visiting, calling and talking on the phone and facetiming. The family also wants to thank Gisele Calder for her kind and heartfelt assistance while Eileen lived in her apartment, and later in Rainycrest.
Anne Zucchiatti, Eileen’s cousin, was her dear friend, who offered both her companionship and devoted caregiving support for the last number of years. The family greatly appreciates and sincerely thanks Anne for her thoughtful dedication and attentiveness.
To the nurses and staff at Rainycrest who attended to her with such kind and gentle care in her final years, the family acknowledges all of your efforts.
The memory of Eileen will always be treasured and have a special place in our hearts.
The Funeral Mass will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fort Frances, Ontario on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the LaVerendrye General Hospital Auxillary will be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
