Eileen WAKEHAM

WAKEHAM Eileen Passed away gently at the grand old age of 94 on September 26 at the Health Sciences Complex after a mercifully brief illness, Eileen Wakeham, a native of Grand Falls, a long-time resident of Gander and various locations in the United States. Leaving to mourn her six children: Bob (Heather Coultas) of Flatrock, NL, Carol and Judy (Mike McKendy) of Fredericton, NB, Jerry (Cheryl) of Maple Shade, New Jersey, Catherine (Steve Chatburn) of Pennsauken NJ, and Patricia (Kevin Coslove) of Cinnaminson, NJ; six grandchildren Colleen McKendy Jesso (James) of New Brunswick, Laura McKendy (Geoff), Kristin Van Pelt (Keith) and Kaitlin Riegger (Eric) of New Jersey, and Megan and Ryan Coslove in New Jersey; five great-grandchildren Nathan and Matthew Van Pelt of New Jersey, Jaida and Jackson Jesso of New Brunswick, Elena Riegger of New Jersey, also brother-in-law Bro. Edward Wakeham in St. John’s and sister-in-law Vera Judge in Grand Falls, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and good friends scattered throughout Newfoundland, mainland Canada, and the United States, as well as the Bridge community in St. John’s. Mom was preceded in death by the singular love of her life, her husband Gerry Wakeham; a “Townie”, her parents Joe Judge, a native of Point Verde, Placentia Bay; and Mary Dormody, a native of Fox Harbour, Placentia Bay, both long time residents of Grand Falls; her siblings: Helen, Bill, Ned, Jim, Mary and Joe; and special son in law John McKendy. A special service will be held at the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020 at 11AM, and will be live streamed. Our mother lived just a tremendously interesting and eclectic life, one that saw her leave Newfoundland in the early 60’s with her children when dad was transferred from Gander to Virginia, and then New York City and Philadelphia. Mom became an R.N. in her early 40’s and practiced nursing (pediatrics) in New Jersey until her retirement. She was also an accomplished Bridge player, and achieved Silver Life Master Status, a quite laudable achievement in the Bridge world. (We thought of her as the Gordie Howe of the world’s Bridge leagues). Mom and dad also took advantage of Dad’s pass privileges with Trans World Airlines and jetted like two upper crust rich types (they were, in actuality, just ordinary, middle-class souls) throughout the world, having breakfast in Cairo, lunch in Rome and supper in Dublin. And they enjoyed watching the Rangers at Madison Square Garden and the Flyers at the Spectrum, and gambling in Las Vegas and Atlantic City with a crowd of ex-patriate Newfoundlanders. Mom and Dad returned to their beloved Newfoundland every year, and came back for good eight years ago after a half century in the U.S. Mom and Dad were always the best dancers on the floor, and it’s easy to imagine that as of this past Saturday afternoon, their magical performances had resumed, perhaps among the clouds of Heaven. Our Mom was a lovely person and we will miss her for the rest of our days.