EASTON, Eunice Lorraine

July 9, 1940 — July 13, 2026

It is with love and gratitude for a life well lived that the family of Eunice Easton announces her peaceful passing on July 13, 2026, just days after celebrating her 86th birthday.

Born in Alberta on July 9, 1940, Eunice was proud of her prairie roots. Her four Norwegian grandparents homesteaded near Tofield, Alberta, and her father’s work with the Alberta Wheat Pool meant the family lived in several communities throughout the province during her childhood. She attended school in Ryley, Peace River, Calgary, and Edmonton before earning both her Bachelor of Education and Master of Education degrees from the University of Alberta, specializing in Educational Administration.

Education was not simply Eunice’s profession—it was her passion. Over a career spanning more than 25 years, she served as a teacher-librarian, consultant, manager, and leader in Alberta’s education system. She worked with the Grande Prairie School District before joining Alberta Education, where she served as Manager of the Educational Information Exchange. Throughout her career, she championed school libraries, educational technology, strategic planning, and innovative programs that improved learning opportunities for students across the province. She was widely respected for her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to public education and was recognized with the Alberta Premier’s Award of Excellence for outstanding public service.

In university, Eunice met the love of her life, Jim Easton, and together they built a life filled with family, friendship, and adventure. They lived in Olds, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, and Spruce Grove before Jim’s passing in 1996. Though she faced profound loss throughout her life—including the death of her eldest son, Scott, as a young boy—Eunice met life’s challenges with remarkable resilience, optimism, and grace.

In her later years, Eunice was grateful to find companionship with Ian Gray, with whom she shared many happy adventures. Together they travelled, spent time with family and friends, and enjoyed making new memories throughout British Columbia and beyond.

In 2000, Eunice moved to Kelowna, British Columbia, where she embraced retirement with enthusiasm. She quickly became an active member of her community, enjoying golf at the Kelowna Golf and Country Club, bridge, book club, church activities, Probus, and countless gatherings with friends. An avid skier, Eunice enjoyed the mountains throughout her life and, after moving to Kelowna, averaged nearly 60 days of skiing each year. She also loved hiking in the Rocky Mountains with family, travelling throughout Canada and abroad, cheering on Canadian athletes at the 2010 Winter Olympics, and sharing good food, good wine, and lively conversation with those she loved.

Those who knew Eunice will remember her keen intellect, quick wit, generous spirit, and genuine interest in others. She had a gift for leadership, but even more importantly, she had a gift for friendship. Whether mentoring colleagues, volunteering in her community, or hosting family and friends around her table, Eunice made people feel welcome and valued.

Eunice is lovingly remembered by her son Brent; her brothers and sister; her many nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of dear friends, including Ian, whose lives were enriched by her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering optimism. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jim, and her son, Scott.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for Eunice throughout her life and in her final days. Her legacy lives on in the countless students, educators, friends, and family members whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Eunice’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a library, educational organization, or charity of your choice in honour of Eunice’s lifelong commitment to learning, community, and service.

“Never thought this would happen to me!” — a line Eunice wrote with characteristic humour and gratitude, reflecting the joy she found in life’s unexpected blessings.

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