Obituary of Eileen Eleanor Herrington

Eileen Eleanor Herrington (nee Wambaugh)

Eileen, age 86 of Arkona passed peacefully on Tuesday Oct 27^th, 2020 at Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital, Petrolia, after living a full and passionate life. She was the devoted wife of Grant Herrington (2015) for 64 years of marriage. Eileen and Grant worked side by side to build their business and a beautiful life together. She will be deeply missed as a loving mother of Nancy (Alan) Murray, Margaret (Peter) Brown, Patricia (Tony) DeRuiter and Ernie (Mary) Herrington. Adored grandmother of Melissa Murray (May 2020), Paula Brown (Guy DiCicco), Pamela (Jeremy) Lambourn, Jason (Melysa) Brown and Michael (Chloe) Brown, Miguel (Kristi-Ann) DeRuiter, Cara DeRuiter, Lee Herrington and Alli Herrington. Cherished great grandmother of Ty Brown Nevin, Bella DiCicco, Foster and Kenzie Lambourn, Colton, Maija, Chase and Jake Brown, Owen and Taylor DeRuiter.

Eileen’s life exemplified one of strength, grace and gratitude. Those whose lives she touched, are blessed by the memory of her boundless love and kindness. Growing up as an only child, having her own family was a dream that became her #1 priority. She was a nurturer by nature, and was “always there” in every way possible for her children and grandchildren. She also had an extraordinary compassion for pets and so treasured the company of her fur-babies Buster, Jimmy and Tiny.

Her motto was Live, Love and Laugh! She excelled at making “a house a home”. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of a great chat, playing games and a walk in the woods. She was a master at brightening the days of those she cared about with uplifting cards and handwritten letters.  She kept a journal for over 40 years and created travel logs and countless scrapbooks of the life she cherished. Her hands were seldom idle and she loved her multiple creative pursuits - tending to her gardens, making preserves, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting, ceramics and quilting.  She often spoke fondly of all that her loving Mennonite grandmother Barbara Ann Wambaugh (Sitter) taught her, and she did her best to pass on those talents.

Together with her husband, they travelled extensively and cultivated many friendships across Canada, the USA and Central America with their involvement in the International Flying Farmer Association. Eileen was an amazing co-pilot who always loved to land back home. Eileen and family sincerely appreciate the recent compassionate and exceptional care received from CEE Hospital Petrolia- Continuing Care, Fiddicks Retirement Home, Dr. Taylor and Dr..K. Rice. Special thanks to nurses Chelsea, Sarah and Kathleen.

In keeping with her nature, there will be a private family service only. Those wishing to honour Eileen’s life could make a charitable donation to the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital, Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital Petrolia, Heavenly Hills Animal Sanctuary or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements entrusted to DENNING’S OF STRATHROY, (519)245-1023. Share a memory at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com.