Eileen Carmel Robertson

Eileen Carmel Robertson passed away November 20th, 2024, at the age of 93. She probably would not want anyone to know since she often stated, “One should never ask a lady her age.”

Eileen was born to her parents, Peter and Mary Redmond ( Lennox ) on July 17th, 1931. They raised their family in the Clontarf neighborhood in Dublin, Ireland. After Eileen graduated from St. Mary’s High School, she went on to study at Ross’s College to earn her Diploma in Business and Commerce. Meanwhile she loved working at the oldest and largest department store in Ireland, Arnotts.

Eileen enjoyed attending local dances on the weekends, often with her sister Maura, who was only slightly older. This is where she met her future husband, Noel Robertson. It was not long before she was riding around downtown with him on his motorcycle, enjoying the young adult life. The couple moved to Montreal and was married on November 8th, 1958. They commenced a new Canadian life and went on to have two children, Lorraine and Paul. Eventually the family relocated to Vancouver, settling in the Point Grey area. The local parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, was welcoming to the newcomers and the neighborhood proved to be friendly and supportive.

After her marriage concluded, she continued to live in the nearby Jericho neighborhood with her son Paul. She worked at the Department of Justice and later at the Law Society of British Columbia. In the 80’s, she was enrolled at the nursing program at Langara College and then took Medical Terminology courses at V.V.I.

This all led to her final career positions at the University of British Columbia; personal secretary to a senior professor at the Department of Chemistry, administrative secretary to Head of Slavonics and English, and administrative assistant and secretary to the Head of the Asian Research Department. After many years, she retired from U.B.C.

Eileen was known for being socially brave, often chatting with strangers, charming them with her Irish wit and charms. She made friends easily and had many over for a nice cup of tea. She loved music, joined many different choirs as one of the Sopranos. She also loved to listen to the opera on CBC radio for hours.

Eileen returned to Ireland to visit her homeland often, enjoyed many vacations over the years there. Her pride in Irish history and culture was very apparent. She was always curious about the lives of people she met throughout her life, exchanging stories and having a good laugh.

She is survived by her children and her youngest sister Cora Lee ( Redmond ); her grandchildren Mariah and Colin DeCosta, Devony Jasmine and Saia Robertson. Preceded in death by her siblings Maura Heneghan and Paul Redmond; also her former husband, Noel Robertson.

Although Eileen is gone, she will live in our hearts forever.

A Memorial Service will be held at O.L.P.H. parish in Vancouver on March 22nd at 11:00am.