Obituaries

Eileen Mary Rhuda passed away on April 27th, 2025 at the age of 101. Eileen was born in Pipestone, Manitoba to the late Bert and Esther Miller. She would often talk about growing up on the Prairies in Pipestone and had fond memories of her childhood. Shortly after they moved to Winnipeg she met the love of her life, Ernest Walter Rhuda. They were married on April 24th, 1944 and were so in love for 54 years of marriage until his passing in 2001. In the early years of their marriage they moved to Ontario but soon after settled in their forever home on Baker Street in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. They gave birth to their first baby, Glenn, who passed away at birth, followed by their son Danny, and daughters Judy and Linda. Ernie and Eileen showed such love for each other, often holding hands, kissing and caring for each other. They spent many years together dancing, golfing, playing cards and laughing.

Upon settling in Yarmouth, Eileen busied herself volunteering in many places including the museum, local charities, the church, the Red Cross, and the hospital gift shop. She always showed great kindness towards others in many different ways. Her heart was huge even through her grief. She survived many tragedies throughout her lifetime yet her motto for life remained “Laughter is the best medicine” or “Life without laughing is a dreary blank”.

Eileen absolutely adored her family. Each visit to Yarmouth would include a freshly made bed, home cooked meal, lots of playing cards, puzzles in Ernie’s hideout, visitors and time spent outdoors in their yard. Her love language was touch. She always made each one of her family members feel so loved. Ernie and Eileen spent many winters in Florida where lots of memories were made with new friends and lots of family visits. She stayed active into her 90's always going for walks, playing bridge, hooking rugs, knitting, gardening and picking rose hips for her well known rose hip jelly. Eileen lit up any room she entered and didn’t complain about much. She appreciated each day and loved anybody’s company.

Eileen is predeceased by her husband Ernie, her son Danny, her daughter Judy Starritt, her brother Tom Miller; and baby Glenn

She is survived by her beloved daughter Linda (Dave) Detienne; grandson David (Cindy) Detienne and great-grandson Cruz; Granddaughter Julie Thoring (Clay) and great-granddaughters Etta and Gracie; Son in law Cameron Starritt and grandsons Timothy Starritt (Nicole); Andrew Starritt and great-grandsons Findlay and Eamon; Matthew Starritt (Laura) and great-grandson Henry; and extended family and friends across the country.

As Eileen’s health declined she left her home in Yarmouth at age 91 to move closer to Judy and Linda. She spent 7 years at Parkland in Clayton Park before moving closer to Linda at Parkland in Dartmouth and spent her last precious 8 months at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home in Halifax where the staff were phenomenal in caring for her at the end of her life. Thank you for your compassion, respect, attention to detail and love for Eileen. Our family is so grateful for everyone who cared and loved on her throughout the years. Your compassion and love for our dear mother and grandmother is something we will cherish and remember forever.

Donations in her memory can be made to:

Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home Foundation online https://svnh.ca/fundraising/in-memorium-donation/ or by calling 902-429-0550 ext. 112.

Yarmouth Food Bank – 902-742-0198

A celebration of life will be held on May 23rd, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Sweeny’s Funeral Home in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia followed by a burial at Mountain Cemetery; reception to follow at Sweeny’s