‘MUM’ TOWNLEY
Forever Our Special Angel
October 3, 1921-February 14, 2003
After attending Worthing High School for Girls (1935-1938) with exceptional grades, Eileen completed the equivalency of a Canadian Grade 13 or 1st year university with top honours in mathematics, English, and languages, and received certificates from London University. Eileen also attended Bolton Tech College in 1943. She was a War Vet and served in the British WAAF (1941-1946) as a Radar Mechanic and Plotter. With help from Lloyd she ran and had over 700 foster children from 1947-1991. She had a group home in Chilliwack on Williams St. 1975-1991. Eileen was an Avon representative for the past 27 years and was not only respected as an Avon lady, but also cherished as a good friend to all who knew her. She was voted ‘Woman of the Year’ in 1997 by the Ann Davis Transition House. In December 2002 Mom was just made a lifetime honourary member of the Stellar Jays Lions Club (Chilliwack). She also belonged to CHAA (Canadian Hard of Hearing Association). After her own personal bouts with cancer and diabetes, she canvassed for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Diabetes Association.
Above all, the organizations Mom was involved with over the years, her most passionate past-time was her love for the game of hockey, her most beloved team, The Vancouver Canucks, of which she has been a fan for over 50 years. In 1947 the Vancouver Blazers raised money through a charity fundraiser when her oldest daughter died in a tragic fire and she and Lloyd lost everything. She has been a loyal fan ever since.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s R.C. Church. Fr. Jack Dias celebrant. Interment in St. Mary’s R.C. Cemetery.
Survived by Russell Townley of Hope, Barb (Dick) Oak of Chilliwack, Roderick (Donna) Townley, Angela Moore, all of Abbotsford, Melvin (Lena) of New Westminster, Marc (Jacqueline) Townley of Chilliwack, Catherine Brown of Boyle, Alta., Mary Madge, Marian (Gary) Larocque, all of Chilliwack, and Larry (Laural) Cox of Merritt. Also survived by 22 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; over 730 foster children; sister Patricia Williams; and brother Derek Briggs, both of England.
She was predeceased by her loving husband Lloyd Everett T. on September 26, 1991; daughter Jennifer Townley on February 7, 1947; twins, Lindsey and Andrew on February 7, 1952; and brothers Michael Briggs and Ken Briggs of England.
Should family and friends so desire, donations in her memory may be made to The Lions, Canadian Cancer Society, Diabetes Association, or Canuck Place.