In loving memory of Eileen Mary Newman (nee: Sparling) who passed away peacefully at the Royal Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie, Ontario on Saturday, Jan. 27, a week before her 87th birthday. Eileen is the beloved wife of Cyril Newman and devoted mother to her daughter, Kim Merchant and her son, Kevin Newman (predeceased in 2012). She is the cherished Grandmother of Julia Merchant, plus the Great Grandmother of Josiah Merchant. Eileen is the dear Grandmother of siblings, Chad Newman (Edmonton) and Jessica Falcioni (Newmarket).
Eileen Newman was born on Feb. 4, 1937 in North Bay, ON and welcomed by her parents Henry (Harry) and Margaret (Jennie) Sparling of Temiscaming, Quebec. Eileen was predeceased by her parents and all of her siblings; her dear sisters, Lila Harrison (George) of Edmonton, Margaret Wilkin (Paul) of North Bay, and her beloved brother Ross Sparling (Laurette) of Temiscaming. Eileen enjoyed many visits to the cottage to visit her sister Margaret and brother Ross and their families with plenty of laughter and BBQ's. She cherished her nephews, Glen Harrison and Dean Sparling (Rhondi).
Eileen always thought highly of her many nieces and nephews in the Newman, Whillans, Chellew and Geiger families. We made many visits to the Newman family farm in Athens, ON where all the families were welcomed to gather at Grandma's for the best picnics and enjoy fun activities among the many cousins. Eileen was good friends with her sisters-in law; Marjorie Newman (deceased) and John (deceased), Gwen Whillans and Alan (deceased), Dorothy Chellew and Wayne (deceased), and Sylvia Geiger (deceased) and Jim (deceased).
Eileen grew up in Temiscaming, Quebec where she worked at the local restaurant, the Mill and at the local bank, before leaving to graduate as a Registered Nursing Assistant from Grace Hospital in Toronto. She left the nursing profession to get married in July of 1963 to her love, Cyril Newman and raise her two children, Kim and Kevin in North Bay, then the family moved to Capreol, ON, later Eileen and Cyril retired in Barrie. Eileen enjoyed, skating, curling, bible studies, bowling (belonged to leagues in Capreol and Barrie), and did many crafts. She was a stay-at-home mother that volunteered and worked occasionally, plus did a road trip to Texas with family, and took a flight to Florida with a friend. Her attributes that set her apart were her kindness and her courage. When terminally ill, she sang "Jesus Loves Me" and prayed for everyone. She was generous and contributed financially to many organizations such as Princess Margaret (where her husband beat cancer), MS, Diabetes, CNIB, the Mercy Ships, Salvation Army, Canadian Bible Society, Covenant House and others. There were many special moments over the years and we celebrate Eileen as the wife, mother, grandmother and friend that she was.
The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 6 at 12:30 p.m. at Eileen and Cyril's home in Barrie for family and friends. Please confirm your attendance by phone, text or messenger to her daughter, Kim Merchant. Eileen's greatest joys in life were her family, her friends and her home, so we will gather to celebrate her.
Burial will be held on April 26, 11:30 a.m. at Barrie Union Cemetery.
If desired, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Words of condolence may be left for the family at www.peacefultransition.ca.