Surrounded by her family, Eileen Margaret Beamin, passed away on the evening of January 14th, 2025. At nearly 99 years old, Eileen is remembered for her luscious gardens, famous potato salad and the good she found in everyone. Most of all, Eileen is remembered for the love she had for her family.
Born in Powell River, Eileen was raised alongside her sisters Annette (Ernie) Harper and Maureen (Gordie) Dunlop, by her parents Annetté and Hugo Blatter. Eileen’s love for family began with the way she cared for her sisters and her mother. Eileen was ahead of her time as a working woman in a Vancouver bakeshop and later acquired a job on the Finishing Line of the Powell River mill. In September of 1943, Eileen married the love of her life Jim in Vancouver, British Columbia, who endearingly referred to her as “Girl”. Jim and Girl returned to Powell River to bring up their three children and everyone then began to know Eileen as “Girlie.”
Eileen is survived by her son, Don (Lynn) Beamin, her favourite daughter Marlane (the late Ted) Williams and son Laurie (Denise) Beamin. Grandchildren (the late Jamie), Jimmy (Debbie), Darren (Victoria), Janice (Ed), Mariah (James) and Garrett fondly remember their Granny riding her bike, throwing the ball together and baking apple pies.
The grandchildren feel so fortunate to have their own children know the delight of walking into a room and seeing the cheerful sparkle in Granny’s eyes. Eileen’s great-grandchildren Savannah (Allan), Nissa, Dyllan (Rachael), Deseree, Halle, Timothy, Ella, Ethan, Tarren, Joliena, Matthew and Parker, as well as her great-great-grandchildren Aspen, Finnan and Barrett, will continue to relish in the stories of how Granny adored her family and protected her blackberries. Each and every one of Eileen’s grandchildren held a special place in her heart.
To know Eileen was to know that she loved her garden. She took great pleasure in sharing her fruit and vegetables. Eileen was known for frequenting Hindle’s for a new teacup. She was also known for making sure others had the pleasure of enjoying her beautiful roses.
The entire Beamin family would like to take this opportunity to extend its deepest gratitude toward those who cared for Eileen. Specifically, thank you to Dr. Brad Schweitzer – “you look good” and we were lucky to have you care for Mom for nearly 50 years. Eileen enjoyed the comforts of her own home for close to 97 years with the support of the workers at Home Support; we thank you for your wonderful care and companionship.
Thank you to Renate, who cared for and loved Eileen as a dear friend and fellow gardener. The family will forever be singing the praises of Evergreen Extended Care nurses and care aides who went above and beyond to ensure Eileen was treated especially well. Every single person who cared for Eileen played a very important role in the story of her life – thank you, and as Eileen would say “we are so lucky.”
To honour Eileen’s wishes, a funeral will not be held. However, the family asks that you join them this spring, as you plant your own gardens, to celebrate Eileen’s life by recalling your memories of her and sharing them with those you love.
“Bye for now, Girlie.”
In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that you please direct any donations toward the Family Room at Evergreen Extended Care.
