Eileen Espley

ESPLEY, EDITH EILEEN April 16, 1936 - April 20, 2021 Unexpected and with great sadness, Eileen passed away peacefully while in emergency care at the coronary section of the Jubilee Hospital on April 20. Four days prior, Friday, April 16 she had a wonderful evening celebrating her 85th birthday with her immediate family. Eileen is survived by her husband (Robert), son (John), daughter-in-law (Carrie), and granddaughter (Anne-Marie) along with numerous relatives in the lower mainland, mid and eastern Canada. Eileen was born in Picton, Ontario, sharing her childhood with two brothers and four sisters. Through her family, she connected and experienced both military and farm life. In her twenties, she worked her way across western Canada using her cooking skills (always happy in a kitchen). Arriving in Vancouver she met Robert (a technician with the Coast Guard). They married in 1964 and spent the next five years at the Coast Guard located at the Tofino Airport. There they started their family with the birth of their son. In 1970 they were transferred to Victoria. She lived in Victoria from that date on. She owned two Foodservice businesses in Victoria for several years, James Bay Fish and Chips and the Burger Hutch ( old Store street market). Over the years she volunteered for organizations like the James Bay Community Program and for various events and clubs that her son belonged to growing up. Her love for people and cooking was always evident as her house was often filled with strangers (who became friends) from far and wide. It was common to hear her say "you are coming for dinner." Over the years her home welcomed many who needed a place to stay or someone to help them along. The last several years Eileen was a passionate and boisterous Victoria Harbourcats Baseball Fan. She loved cheering on the team from her special seat at every game. Everywhere she traveled she met and made new friends and will be remembered for her smile and outgoing personality. Cremation is by Earth's Option Cremation services. A celebration of her life will be held later this year. For those who wish, please consider donating to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in her honour. (click on donations in left menu)