Gosselin, Eila

(May 25, 1933 – August 25, 2023)

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother, and Mummu, Eila Gosselin upon reaching her 90^th birthday, at St Joseph’s Continuing Care Centre on Friday, August 25, 2023, with her closest family and friends at her side.

Eila a devout catholic, now joins her loving husband Roland (predeceased 2004), to whom she was married to for over 50 years and her eldest son Dennis (predeceased 2023) (wife Judy) in eternal joy and happiness. Born to Onni and Fanny (Oja) Rossi in 1933, she grew up as an early Finnish pioneer in the Beaver Lake area.  Being the only girl in a family with 5 boys; Sulo, Onni (Ernie), Albert, Eino all predeceased she leaves behind her youngest brother Raymond (Gayle predeceased) from Victoria BC.  She settled in Garson, remaining in her family home for more than 72 years before taking up residence at Finlandia Villa.

She was the best friend and mentor to her loving daughter Susan (Guy Chretien), (who visited her every day for morning tea for over the past 33 years) and the dearest and cherished mom to James (Lorraine Aubertin).

Although being a quiet and shy person nothing was more important to Eila than her faith and spending time with family at the cottage on Raft Lake.  She was a proud longstanding member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Womens League for more than 55 years.  She loved spending her time watching birds, listening to old Finnish music and tending to her flowers as she always had a passion for gardening.  Following the family to hockey events as Rolly loved coaching, she would write poems for every team she followed and became known as the unknown poet. In the later years, she did manage to travel a little with family by her side and was first in line to see the various Princesses at Disney with her favorite character being Tinker Bell.  She will also be remembered for her notorious one-liners, which would come out of nowhere bringing a quick laugh to brighten up your day.

The ultimate joy of her life was being called “Mummu”, by her grandchildren and great grandchildren often looking out for them, telling them stories but most of all being a sound listener despite being mostly deaf for most of her life.  She enjoyed watching “The 10 Commandments”, with a sleepover planned every year at Easter time: first with her eldest grandson Ryan (Christine) and later with her younger grandson Riley.  She loved baking and spending many hours speaking and listening to her precious granddaughter Lindsay (predeceased) with whom she now will have more time to spend.  She always spoke highly and was very proud of the achievements of granddaughters Jessica and Marlena as they were always on her mind and in her prayers.  Carter, her youngest grandson brought her instant joy and many happy memorable moments with the arrival of his new puppy Huncho, “The crazy Frenchie”.  She fell in love with the little bulldog, and he was her nearest guardian over the past few years, bringing a lasting smile to her face.  (Carter promises to ensure Huncho gets his daily pet on the head and rub on his belly and that he receives his treats of Cheetos cheezies going forward!)

Mom always spoke in highest regard of her great grandchildren Keagan, Brooklyn and Jackson who were there to support her to the very end.  Their visits gave her strength and hope for the future of maintaining a strong family bond.  

Missing her early friends; Tim and Gerry Radey (predeceased), Eila had few friends in the later years, but none were more important to her than sisters-in-law Alice Shaw and Sharon Gosselin and friend Brenda Aubertin.  Her friend in faith Marie Bardswich supported her throughout her journey and was there standing by her side to the very end. Regular visits by Eric and Minnie were cherished and the support, laughs and memories they provided over the years will be always remembered.

A special thank you goes out to the many doctors and nursing staff members of St Josephs Continuing Care Centre for the help and support they provided mom during her hours of need.

Following the cremation, a funeral mass will be held at St John the Evangelist Church, 255 Church St., Garson, on Friday, September 8, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with interment at St. John Cemetery in Garson.

Donations in her memory can be made to the charity of your choice.