We Remember

ROBY, Catherine “Eileen” (née Gartner)

March 5, 1949 — October 11, 2023

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the loss of our beloved Eileen who, after over 27 years of courageously battling cancer went peacefully into the arms of Jesus at the Kelowna General Hospital on October 11, 2023, at the age of 74.

Eileen was born in Macklin, Saskatchewan on March 5, 1949, to Joseph and Magdalena Gartner.  She was the ninth child born into a family of six girls and six boys.  Trained as a stenographer and having worked in the healthcare and banking industry for a short period of time, she was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and a devoted homemaker.  Many lasting memories were made on vacations with the children and later in life traveling to be with the grandchildren. Also on golfing trips in the motor home, short stays in Palm Springs with family, and in this last decade, gathering with family and friends after moving to the Okanagan.  One email of condolence we received said it best, “She was a brave, wonderful person who will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege to meet and know her.  Eileen’s love of family, her great sense of humour, and her determination to fight health challenges are a testament to the incredible person she was.”

Eileen is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Rick; their son Ryan (Tiffany) and their children Liam and Aiden; and daughter Christa. Also left to treasure her memory are her sisters Imelda, Linda, Patricia (Melvin), and Marilyn (Brent); brothers August (Nancy), Herman (Eileen), Gerald (Sandra), and Irvin (Laura); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sister Angelina, brothers Theadore, and Wilfred; brothers-in-law Joseph, Ian, and John; and sister-in-law Hildegard.

There will be a Celebration of Life held on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM, located at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.  If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

Memorial donations may be made in Eileen’s honor to Hungry for Life. Please select the “Ukrainian orphanage” designation in the drop-down menu. This organization reflects a part of Eileen’s passion as she expressed empathy for the loss these young children faced.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM:

Service
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM

Location
Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

Send Condolences
Send Flowers, Sympathy Card or Comfort Meal
Hungry for Life (select Ukrainian Orphanage) Link: www.hungryforlife.org/donate?tab=projects

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for ROBY, Catherine “Eileen” (née Gartner) is scheduled for SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Carmen Gartner says:
    November 4, 2023 at 2:21 pm

    Thinking of all of you in this difficult time. I have so many wonderful memories of auntie Eileen. Always smiling and laughing- such a light. May she read in peace. – Carmen

    Reply
  • Andrea Lee Levesque says:
    November 4, 2023 at 8:53 pm

    Christa, Ryan and Rick,
    I am so sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. She was always so inclusive and very kind to me. I remember her fondly. Sending love to your family.

    Reply
  • Hans and Gerrie says:
    November 5, 2023 at 8:52 am

    Dear family, we would like to wish you strength with the loss of your loved one.
    May God give you strength to bear this, that you may experience the nearness of Jesus.
    Hans en Gerrie
    Mzuzu, Malawi

    Reply
  • Theresa E Brost and Robert Brost says:
    November 18, 2023 at 11:37 am

    Our sincerest condolences to the family, and all Eileen’s family May her Soul Rest in Peace!

    Reply
  • Joanne Heck says:
    November 18, 2023 at 4:25 pm

    Deepest condolences Uncle Rick and family.

    Reply
  • Jacinta Garand (Stang) says:
    November 21, 2023 at 10:55 am

    Eileen was a special cousin and friend, when we were young girls growing up in Macklin Sask. Unfortunately we loss contact after high school, but I have good memories of our childhood together. Eternal rest Eileen

    Reply

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.

Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke