Obituary of Eileen Hannam

Hannam - Eileen (nee Anderson) passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009 in Spiritwood at the age of 83 years. Fifth among twelve children, Eileen was born on January 23, 1926. She married Albert at the age of 19 and had four sons, from which came many Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren whom she loved spending time with. She was a strong, determined, tenacious woman who had a heart of gold and a propensity to be patient in difficult circumstances. For a segment of Eileen's earlier working days, she cooked for road construction crews. She went on to a 20 year career of dedicated service which ended in 1986 as head cook for the Big River Hospital. Not only did Eileen cook for the Hospital, she also made a home career out of canning fruits, growing and freezing vegetables, fish, and game for her family. There was no end to how much she could accomplish in a day. Eileen took tremendous pleasure in planting, tending and reaping her vegetable garden year after year, the bounty of which she shared around her dinner table or offered to friends and acquaintances in her community so they too could enjoy that homegrown taste that is not so abundant in our busy lives today. Eileen also took great care to create a beautiful yards cape of perennials and annuals to gaze upon and enjoy. Whether it was patchwork quilts that her family wrapped themselves in when gifted with her labours of love or her amazing macrame creations, everything she put her energy into was a work of art. Adding to her handcrafts, Eileen captured many memories and nature scenes through her knack for photography. Not only did she have an eye for taking pictures, she gained her own special reputation for touching up and bringing new life to old, faded or damaged pictures. The tapestry of grandma's life was woven together by her tremendous love and respect for the outdoors. Whether she was camping, fishing, or tending her garden, she was in her element. Eileen leaves to cherish her memory: her sons Norman (Patricia) Hannam of Lumby, B.C; Wilfred Hannam of Lloydminister, SK; James (Donna) Hannam of Big River, SK; her brother Henry Anderson of Big River, SK; her sisters Myrna (Gordon) Gamble; Evelyn (Pat) Harty; her grandchildren Norma & Tony; Melinda & Eugene; Nicole & Steven; Lee; Arlene & Clayton; Aimee & Terry; her great grandchildren Melissa, Cole, Corrina, Kelly, Mathew, Easton, Reid, Presley, Ashlynn, Jordan, and Connor; her daughter in-law Debra Hannam of Edmonton, AB. Eileen was predeceased by her loving husband Albert Hannam; her son Richard Hannam; her grandson Patrick; her mother & father Roy & Clara Anderson. The Funeral Service for Eileen took place on Friday, Dec. 11, 2009 at 2:00 p.m in the Big River Rec. Centre, Reverend Brian Maitland was officiant, special music was done by Bill Martodam, the eulogist was Nicole Collier, the Big River Community Choir led the hymns, and active pallbearers were Rory Sharp, Leonard Sharp, Darryl Sharp, Robert Anderson, Jeff Anderson, and Roy Anderson. The interment took place in the Big River Cemetery; Memorial Donations may be made to the Big River Health Centre.