Obituary of Eileen Gladys Burden

BURDEN (HOWSE), Eileen Gladys age 82, Dartmouth formerly of St. John's, NL., passed away in Bissett Court, Dartmouth on February 5, 2015. Born in Glovertown, Alexander Bay, Newfoundland, she was a daughter of the late Edgar and Violet (Oram) Howse. Eileen was a caring and gracious lady with a passion for the arts and for nature. Her caring nature found expression in her duties as a nurse during training and when she graduated with her RN from the Salvation Army Grace Hospital in St. John's in 1953. She practiced nursing at the Grace and other St. John's city hospitals for several years, but as her family grew, Eileen retired from nursing to devote her energies to caring for her burgeoning crew of children. Her husband's career with Air Canada brought the family to the United States in 1959 and Eileen and her family spent 10 years in the US before returning to Atlantic Canada. Her gentle touch soothed many a tearful child and her quiet words calmed the adolescent turmoils of her offspring. Her loving embrace and wise counsel helped husband Eugene through the many important worries, decisions and stresses that faced the father of a large family who also carried the demands of a busy career. While serious when it was called for, Eileen could reduce a room to stitches with her mischievous and insightful sense of humour. A fine lady who never uttered a selfish word nor performed a selfish deed she always intuitively knew how to meet our separate needs, and found a way to gently care for us in every way. Eileen will be sorely missed by her husband, by her children and by many others. She is survived by her husband of over 60 years Eugene, children Dr. George Burden, Lori Carroll, (Jim Barton), Diane Burden (Rodney DeBaie), Heather Salsbury (Scott Swain); grandchildren Andrea, Suzanne, Michael, Samuel, Ellie, Ariana; great grandchildren Cole and Charlie; sister Rose Blackwood RN; many nieces and nephews and extended family in Newfoundland and elsewhere. She was predeceased by sister Margaret Thomas and brother-in-law Emmerson Blackwood. Cremation has taken place under the care of Ettinger Funeral Home, Shubenacadie. No visitation by request, a private family service will be held at St. George's Columbarium, Dutch Settlement at a later date. Memorial donations in memory of Eileen may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. The family would like to acknowledge with gratitude, the care provided to Eileen over the past 6 years at Oceanview and Bissett Court nursing homes, and by companion Elsie Warren. A special thank you to Rev. Holly Edsall at Oceanview, and Wenda MacDonald of the Alzheimer Society of NS. Condolences, words of comfort, and memories of Eileen may be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com