I have countless memories with my Auntie Eileen; many of the fondest ones revolve around family fun, time at the cottage, playing games and/or making crafts. Her sense of humor, positive outlook and perseverance are a few of her character traits that I found most admirable. At her house, our house, at Sandy Hook or at Lake of the Woods, Autie Eileen was always ready and willing to engage in a fun, yet competitive board game, or card game. She was patient in helping me learn many new games, yet competitive enough not to let me win. She was quick to smile and laugh and always ready to listen when needed. As I grew older, I loved hearing her stories (which she always had an endless number) of her various adventures traveling the world, going on cruises, riding elephants and much more. Her sense of adventure and ability to socialize and engage with others, was truly remarkable. She always seemed to view the glass 'half full' even when circumstances seemed stacked against her. I remember her telling me about a time she got her wheelchair stuck in the snow, in the middle of a Winnipeg blizzard. But the story wasn't about being stuck in the freezing cold for 20 minutes, it was about the nicest young man she met and their conversation after he had come out of his way to help her out. I'm comforted knowing that he's in a better place now, where I have no doubt she's continuing to share her stories with those who will listen.  

Eileen was my sister in law.She was a second mother to our boys growing up. Eileen's philosophy was where if  there is a will there is a way . And boy did she live up to that. Eileen after having a stroke told us she was taking a world cruise tour. I along with a few others thought she was nuts. She'll be ship bound a waste of money. Boy did we have to eat our words when she sent a picture riding an elephant in Thailand. Under the picture it said " Yah it took six little Thai guys to get me up here." A memmorable time was when we we in Kona attending Craig and Mandi's wedding.Eileen wanted to visit an animal sanctuary out on the lava fields. When we arrived her wheel chair wasn't going to be upto the rigorous  hike. The park provided a buggy with huge balloon tires so we hoisted he into the buggy and took off down the trail. It was rough Scott and I took turns pushing Eileen around . When we stopped for a break I thought she would be in agony from the turbulent ride. Yep tears rolling down her cheeks but not from pain from laughter.I don't think I've ever heard her laugh so much and so loud. If there was pain she didn't show it. That was Eileen enjoying life to the fullest. Eileen had a great love of animals and decided to become a volunteer at the Winnipeg (Zoo) Conservatory. Eileen's dedication to the Conservatory was outstanding and was rewarded with several accolades. She was gifted a battery powered wheel chair that allowed her to travell to and fro the Conservatory. Eileen put more miles on that wheel chair than some people put on their cars.This brought concern to the family as Eileen would travel to the Conservatory in all weather conditions including snow storms. We all thought she would perish in one of those storms. Not Eileen they need me there .What dedication.And it was rewarded with volunteer of the year award. I'm going to miss the information on wildlife Eileen would send and her phone calls which on answering I said "What's new at the zoo" Eileen promptly corrected me "We are not a zoo we are a Conservatory" But I didn't relent. Eileen prior to her stroke was a very accomplished craftswoman and artist We have several of her workings around our home which bring fond memories. Eileen you will be sadly missed. God you have a fantastic Volunteer❤  

I had the pleasure of volunteering with Eileen at the APC Zoo and Park. She was an amazing person, always smiling and ready to tell a funny story, often about animals.  I enjoyed our chats and all the silly (goat) videos she sent me via email.  Every time I see a wheel chair zooming around the Zoo I look to see if it’s Eileen. I think I’ll be doing that for a long time.   My condolences to her family and friends.  Beverlee Hicks 

Eileen was my oldest sister...8 years older than me and 6 years older than my sister Rose.  I have a million good memories of Eileen but the ones that stand out from my childhood are the ones where she took Rose and me to places we never would have gone if not for her.  Most older sisters would not be keen to hang out with their younger siblings, but Eileen wanted us to experience things we wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to do.  I remember the times that the three of us would stand in long lines outside the downtown movie theaters waiting to get in to see "Old Yeller", "Darby O Gill And the Little People", or "Bambi".  I remember Eileen driving us to skate on an outdoor skating oval somewhere in Winnipeg. I never knew such a place existed!  We were used to skating on the small corner rink by our home, but "this" rink was amazing!  I didn't want to come home.  She also took us to Falcon Lake with her many times, and introduced us to water skiing behind the boat.  I thought I was in heaven....it was so much fun.  She took Rose and I bowling for the first time, and bought us a "cherry drink" from the machine.  (it was so good).  When I was 12 years old Eileen gave me her old set of golf clubs and took me golfing with her, many, times.  I still love to golf, and I sometimes wonder if I ever would have taken it up if Eileen hadn't taken her "kid sister" along with her.  These are just a few ways that Eileen impacted my life as a kid.  She was an awesome "big sister" and made my childhood a lot more fun.  I don't remember her ever being impatient with Rose or I, or acting as if she would rather be spending time with friends her own age. (of which she had many)  Eileen seemed to enjoy introducing us to things we would otherwise not have done.  She was a wonderful big sister, and I hope she knew how much we appreciated everything she did for us.  xoxo

I was impatiently waiting for the obit, so I could share my memories. And took 3 days to get here. We had a long friendship, from our kids' preschool years at police picnics, later spent time camping, most memorably at Camp Wasaga. I was with her when Michael tipped the canoe, and we were the only ones who knew we went skinny dipping one night off the dock. Nobody could consume as much tea at bedtime as Eileen! The only time I ever played bridge was because Eileen was missing one member from her group, and amazingly, we didn't lose. I remember the dogs, must have pictures somewhere. And the day she tried to burn down her house on Clearwater with a candle... I lost contact for several years, so imagine my surprise when she showed up at my happy place, volunteering at Assiniboine park Zoo, and made it her happy place, too. I was always delighted to see her on my shift, and at mixers, though I must admit she put in many more hours than I did, from painting balloons in enrichment to wheeling by to chat as I shared my enthusiasm with kids at the dino exhibit. She had questions for every expert, from gardener to head of operations. I have shared her loss with others who spent time camping with us. Eileen, I was proud to call you my friend, and I expect it will be a long time before I stop looking for you coming down the zoo path headed for your next post. Roberta Beach

My most favourite memories of my Auntie Eileen was the time I spent with her at Sandy Hook, our family cottage.  We also spent a lot of time with her at her cottage on Lake of the Woods. As much as she loved animals, the one animal my auntie Eileen hated was snakes, and to keep my cousin Michael and I busy, she would tell us to hunt snakes and make sure none were around the cottage.  She would pay us $5 per snake that we caught, which was good money to us in those days. We would spend hours searching for garter snakes around the cabin, and make sure they were released far away.   She also taught us to play Uno and checkers.  I have one funny memory when we were playing checkers and I asked Auntie Eileen to make me a butter, and peanut butter bun.  She did not seen the point in making a bun with both butter, and peanut butter - so she made me a peanut butter bun.  It’s a silly memory, but I always think of her when I make a butter and peanut butter bun or toast…and chuckle at my little extra indulgence she would not approve of. I loved my auntie Eileen and will miss her very much.  She was always good for a laugh and brightened up the room.

The first time I met Eileen was when I was dating my husband Shane, her nephew.  We went to a family function in Calgary, and when we left, his old silver Jetta wouldn’t start - Shane had accidentally left his lights on and the battery had died.  Eileen was with us, as Shane was going to drive her to her sister Moe’s house.  While Shane was figuring out what to do, Eileen took control of the situation.  We all pushed the car to the top of a parking ramp, and then she told Shane to get behind the wheel and try to start it, and her and I would push from behind so the car could travel down the ramp, pickup speed, and start!  Her plan worked and the car started, and Shane was able to drive us all home.  I remember being quite surprised by her.   I always enjoyed chatting with Eileen, she was a great observer, very intuitive, and honest.  She was also incredibly tough and let nothing slow her down if she wanted to do something, a trait I quite admired.   We will miss her very much!!

Whenever I shared a shift with Eileen at APC, I was so happy! I would see her come scooting across the parking lot, always with that big smile on her face. She was amazing, filling any role that was needed. She always took time for a little conversation and a laugh. I will miss her terribly and keep fond memories in my heart.

What a lovely photo tribute to Eileen. I was lucky enough to volunteer at the Zoo with Eileen. Always so friendly and cheerful and amazing independent, she was a delight to spend time with. How interesting to hear of her travels, especially around the world solo. My heartfelt sympathy to her family, Jane Romaniuk

Eileen was a real trooper!  She and I began volunteering at APC in 2015 and we grew close over the years.  Although she was limited mobility-wise, she never ceased to amaze me by what she was able to do.  She never complained about her limitations.  She loved her time volunteering at the Zoo.  We often emailed each other and shared animal stories and pictures.  The tribute written here is lovely, but I am sure there were many adventures Eileen had in her life of which we were not aware.  She truly lived each day fully.  She will be greatly missed by me and many others. Nancy Clyde (APC volunteer)

Toasted Egg Salad Sandwiches. Anytime egg salad sandwiches are involved, I think of Eileen. We all worked at MTS and were DINK couples (Double Income, No Kids) at the time. Dan & I had been invited for lunch at the Bain’s lovely, old apartment on Wellington Cres. It was a beautiful, warm, sunny, spring day. The snow was dripping from the eaves, the windows were cracked open, and Eileen’s birds were singing their hearts out. The guys were in the living room talking and I joined Eileen in the kitchen as she worked on making lunch. I marveled at how meticulous she was mashing those eggs, toasting the bread and in the end created a beautiful memory that I’ve carried all these years. We lost touch in the years following the birth of our children. I’m so glad to see she lived a full and rich life despite her challenges.. Lorrie Pismenny (nee Croall) 

Cathy and Ryan, I am so sorry for your loss. Your Mom was obviously a special person. She loved life and obviously always had a sense of adventure! It looks like nothing held her back. May everyone cherish all the wonderful memories of her and hold them close to your hearts! Take care and know we are thinking of you in your time of loss.

Eileen, what does one say in a few sentences, so much has flooded through my mind since I have heard of her passing, seemed like we would always have our beloved Eileen, she was a force to be reckon with.  I grew up hearing of the Brooks Family as my Dad and Eileen's Dad were best Friends.  I always felt a part of this "WONDERFUL" Family, then I had the privilege over the years of getting to know this "PRECIOUS" Family.  Eileen right from the first time I met her we had a special bond.  I do not know if she ever realized the impact she had on me.  I was then a very shy quiet young girl, Eileen taught me that I could speak up and was allowed to have a mind of my own I wonder sometimes if she and her Family had not come into my life where I would be, they taught me LOVE & HUGS! which to this day I cherish.  The first time I met Eileen in person was in 1970 at her apartment she made me feel so welcome. For many visits to Winnipeg I would drive passed this apartment and smile because of those memories.  Later she insisted I stay with her at her home  What a time we had.  To this day in the Fall, I think of the many pounds of Carrots and Beans we did and froze.  She told me that we did 40lbs of each, each time,  I do know we had stained hands for days and we so laughed as nothing would take it off but time.  The few Years I went down and stayed with her out would come the bags of carrots and Beans.  Good thing we were both night owls!  Oh, the laughs and stories.  I still smile and think of her when I am doing carrots and still french cut my beans the way she taught me.  I was down when Michael was turning 2 Eileen was having a Birthday Party-BBQ for Family and Friends.  Eileen had hidden the Panda cake she had made well! Michael had found it and had sampled it.  Poor Eileen went to get the cake saw the poor panda minus his ear she immediately put a smile on her face and went to work to repair the cake and the cake looked perfect when she brought it out later for Michael.  Years later after I was married we went to Winnipeg to see Eileen and Family she had a BBQ.  A lightning, Rain, Thunderstorm cam up and it was a battle between my husband Dick and Eileen as to who was going out to finish off supper.  She felt as she was Hostess it was her JON!  Dick figured the least he could do was be outside doing the BBQ.  Well! it was OK if Eileen got wet but quite another for Dick, she insist the least he do was put on her coat and hat  we sure laughed at that.  During the storm our Daughter DiAnne (who hates thunder and lightning) became very upset.  Eileen stopped what she was doing and in her own way went to DiAnne and finally calmed her down.  DiAnne says "Even to this day when a storm hits, I think of Eileen and it seems to Calm me Down". Eileen so Loved her tea, I remember Rose telling me when Eileen had driven to Calgary for a visit and was heading home to Winnipeg, she wanted Rose to take her "HUGE" travel mug and glue the stand on her dashboard so when she was thirsty, she could have a drink.  Poor Rose so laughed and said "How could I do that with only one had to drive how could she manage her mug as well as drive?!"  Well knowing Eileen she probably got some kind soul along the way wow nothing stopped her.  Eileen came for our Daughter DiAnne & Jon's wedding she wanted to be so much a part of everything helping with the decorations and set up. etc. nothing was stopping her from being there and enjoying herself. Eileen would could down with Maureen and Rose to Vulcan to visit and shop  And shop she did was not long before the store merchants got to know them.  Upon their entry the would be greeted with "The Girls are  here"  Oh what fun, Dick and I went to Winnipeg during the World Women's Soccer Cup and she insisted we stay with her for a few days.  She  gave up her bed and slept on her couch so we could be "comfortable" I felt so guilty seeing her scrunched up, she laughed and said "Not that bad, besides it was worth it to spend the time with us." One day she insisted on driving me to Cathy and Ryan's to check their home as they were away.  I told her I would drive she said "Why don't you trust my driving" !"  Well, to say the least I was concerned but felt I did not wat to insult her.  She insisted we stop for Ice Cream Cones as this was a treat for going out with her.  Yes, she Loved the Zoo she so talked of it fondly, so nice she had such a special place to go over the last few years that gave her so much joy and comfort.  I know this is long but what can one say in a few words about Eileen she was fiercely proud of her Sisters  and her Family.  It so saddens me to lose our beloved Eileen we were looking forward to a visit with her when she was in Calgary.  Her travel plans changed but I know she will be smiling down and be so happy to be with part of her precious Family and the Good Lord above and as she would always say "Don't worry about me I am fine" She always had such a big smile and never complained just kept going.  She was a Real role model to so many.  So many fond memories, her smiles, Laughter, Determination.  Thanks for the Memories Eileen will always cherish you.  To all of Her Family and Friends we send our deepest sympathy at this very hard time.  Take comfort in knowing she made a HUGH impact on a lot of people who had the HONOR of knowing this WONDRFUL LADY. Rest in Peace Eileen You will be MISSED! Dick and Brenda (Quelch) Schuler and DiAnne (Schuler) and Jon Speer

I did not know Eileen well, but at times when I volunteered at APC she was on the same shift time.   She was always so pleasant and easy to talk.  I will miss seeing her smiling face.  I send my condolenses to her loved ones.

Eileen’s passing breaks my heart and I’m going to miss her so. She is the whole reason I started volunteering at APC. I was on a first date at the old conservatory building and Eileen spotted us. She started going around with us and telling me all about the plants and what a great place APC was to volunteer. Our whole time there I ended up chatting with Eileen and forgot about my date. Ha ha! She had such exuberance. The next day, I found myself taking the steps to volunteer. At volunteer functions or while on shift, I always sought Eileen out to say Hi and chat. It made my day each and every time! I’m going to miss her and am so thankful I met her that day

Auntie Eileen will always hold a special place in my heart and she will be greatly missed. She had such a big heart and was always up for an adventure, and I loved that there always seemed to be a mischievous glint in her eye. My favourite memories of her will always be when she was spending time with my kids. My oldest son Jake has Down syndrome, and he was always drawn to Auntie Eileen whenever our families got together. They had a special bond from the first time they met, and he would often just sit beside her talking her ear off or just listening to her stories. They were like old souls that knew each other from a past life. She was an incredibly special woman and our family is going to miss her dearly. 

Auntie Eileen would typically visit us during Christmas and I was always excited for her to arrive. Her jovial presence and contagious smile just made me happy. Our exchanges were always the same — I would walk over and say “Hi Auntie Eileen!” and she would respond with a big smile and reply “Hi Sweetie!” and then we would hug and catch up on life. I was always amazed at her travel stories. It seemed like she visited every country in the world. I’m sure if I told her I visited the moon that she would captivate me with stories of the time she traveled there :)   Both Auntie Eileen and my wife (Mandi) are cat fanatics. They would both sit together and scroll through the thousands of cat photos they had on their phone. I don’t understand this but it seemed to make them both very happy. They shared a special connection in that they would always have a witty comeback ready for when my dad would try to tease them. Her spunk and humour always made everyone laugh, especially me.  I will miss Auntie Eileen a lot. She was a special human being and someone I wish I got to hang out with more. It makes me sad knowing she has left this earth, but then I’m reminded that when I see her again, she will have a new and fully capable body. One that can go on walks and begin a new life of adventure. And that brings me joy.