Eileen passed away unexpectedly but peacefully surrounded by the love of her family at Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the age of 96. Beloved wife of the late Doug Marks (2014). Loving mother of Pam Marks, Douglas Marks and Laura Kerr, Janet Marks and Andrew Holland, and Debbie Marks and Ron Schistad. Proud Nanny of her grandchildren; Marc, Ryan, Shannon; Robert, Jamie, Lindsey; Justin, Jessika; Aaron, Max, and Lily and great-grandchildren of 12. Predeceased by her parents Carlyle and Lillian Goldsmith.
Eileen Marks began her life in modest fashion — born in West Drayton, England, in a not so posh neighbourhood. From those humble beginnings, she built a life bursting at the seams with love, laughter, and enough family stories to fill a pub.
She survived the blackouts of World War II (not to mention British cooking in the 1940s), and married the boy from across the back fence — because apparently, she didn’t have to look far to find true love. Years later, in an act of bravery only mothers truly understand, she boarded a ship alone with three children and crossed the North Atlantic to start a new life in Canada. Either she was deeply courageous or slightly mad — probably both — but it worked out beautifully.
Eileen often insisted her children didn’t get their brains from her, likely blaming her Grade 8 education. But don’t be fooled. She was a voracious reader, kept the Exeter Library in business, and could crush the London Free Press Jumble daily before most people found their morning tea. Yet, she didn’t know how to pay a bill, overcooked every piece of meat into a state of shoe leather, had a lifelong vendetta against spiders, and floated like a brick (try as they might, Doug and Uncle Charlie couldn’t keep her afloat — chin held up, bum sank down and everyone in stitches) — but she taught her family far more important things.
Like how to blow bubbles off the tip of your tongue. Or how to save the foil from cigarette packs, because you never know when you’ll need it (spoiler: you never do, but it’s the principle). She taught the art of hiding chocolate from your children and that you are never too old for a muscle car.
Eileen was a beauty. Her husband Doug liked to say she was his Hedy Lamarr — and she didn’t argue. With beauty came a healthy dose of vanity: in her final months, she flatly refused to use a walker, choosing instead to “help” the younger residents at the home. On her final day, her children made sure she looked just right: hair brushed, glasses on, teeth in. She would’ve approved.
She’s now reunited with the two great loves of her life — Doug, her husband of 65 years, and Sam and Layla, her beloved dogs (possibly in that order). We imagine them together again: Doug teasing, Sam and Layla snoring on her lap, and Eileen rolling her eyes with love — and perhaps a little lipstick on.
A remarkable woman. A tiny powerhouse. And a reminder that you don’t need to swim to make big waves.
Visitation will be held at 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Friday, September 19th from 3 – 5 PM.
Donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kim Mckay
My deepest condolences to Eileen’s family. She was a lovely lady. Had many wonderful conversations with her at the store. Praying your memories can help you through this difficult loss.
Kathy Hofstetter
Dear Pam
Ross and I extend to you and your family our love and condolences. May God bless you with strength through this difficult time.
Love Kathy and Ross
Ray Marks
Auntie Eileen and Uncle Doug lived round the corner from us in West Drayton. I have many fond memories of them as a child through to my teenage years. Supposedly helping Doug cleaning windows in the school holidays although I’m sure I was more of a hindrance than a help. I remember when they emigrated to Canada and Eileen became so homesick they saved hard to come home. Once home they realized it was a big mistake and saved hard to get back out there. They lived in a rented flat above a greengrocers shop and I will never forget going to my cousin Pam’s 13th birthday party there. She had got the record Sherry by the four seasons and it was played continually. Just some of the happy memories of a family I loved dearly. When I married my wife Jackie and we had our children Lee and Kim we visited them in Canada around 1978. They gave us a time to remember visiting Niagara Falls crossing into The USA and visiting Lake Ontario among many other things. Doug and Eileen were always my favourite Uncle and Aunt and they will be sorely missed. They came over to England and stayed with us on three occasions and we reciprocated their hospitality and took them down to Dartmouth in Cornwall. We have memories of keep singing the Song “Come on Eileen “ to her. With our kids joining in with the fun. We all loved them and have so many happy memories of one of the nicest couples you could ever meet. They will remain in our hearts forever.
Ray and Jackie Marks
Xxxx
Amber
Eileen was a remarkable, kind hearted lady. She often stopped by the front desk at seasons while I was working. Always checking in on her fellow residents and making sure they were ok.
Eileen could always be found reading a book on the front porch, or going on walks when the weather was nice. I will miss her smile and her kind heart.
Condolences to her family.
Colleen Chambers
Janet,
Brad and I are so very sorry for your family’s loss and know how much your mother was loved and taken care of by all of you. Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way.
Karen Dickins
My condolences to Eileen’s family, what a sweet lady and a great neighbour, always had a smile. Cherish your memories.
Wendy Rowan
I was so honored to have this lovely, caring lady in my life. She lived across from my mom and dad. I am sure dad and her will have their chats again. She always reminded me to take care of me. I will miss our messages back and forth and chatting with her on the phone RIP my sweet lovely friend. I will miss you. Xoxo
My sympathy to here family that she talked about often. She was so proud of you all.
Dionne
Going to miss sending Eileen my nature photos, right up to a couple weeks ago, she always loved them, she had a loving family, her son and I have been friends for a long time, R.I.P Eileen, you will be missed❤️❤️
Marilyn Riley
My condolences to the family she was a great neighbor
Michelle Poirier
What a beautiful, adventurous and courageous life she lived. I bet she is making some wonderful new waves in her new home.
Cherish the memories!
Love, Michelle and Kirk
Liz Stephens
Marks Families My deepest condolences, Eileen was a beautiful soul, always on the move with a big smile. My husband & I met Eileen & Doug on the Exeter Golf Course & enjoyed many many games of golf, fun & laughter. Hold your memories close during this sad time.