Eileen M. SOLOMON

Eileen M. Solomon

August 25, 1941 – September 27, 2021

Eileen passed away peacefully in her 80th year, leaving behind an echoing sadness, but also the legacy of her boundless love and humanity, a generosity of spirit, and the fondest of memories to treasure forever. We are grateful beyond measure for our ever loving mother and devoted best friend. Her wise counsel and shining example were constants in our lives, and we know that she will continue to watch over and guide us to the end of our days.

A childhood prayer she recited from memory in church at the age of three, “Christkind komm, mach mich fromm, dass ich mit dir ins Himmel komm” reminds us of her steadfast faith in God that endured throughout her lifetime and carried her through the challenges she faced. We are comforted to know that she is now at peace in Heaven with loved ones who have gone before her.

Eileen was born and lived the majority of her life in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the only daughter of Emelie and Henry Buxman, hard working Russian immigrants, in a busy home filled with much love, joy, and laughter with her two older brothers. They taught her to appreciate the extraordinary in the everyday ordinary of the world around her. She delighted in the perfection of a perfectly ripe peach; the expansive vista of a big blue prairie sky above golden wheat fields; a warm bierock (German stuffed roll), greble (German doughnut), or other delicacy from her mother’s kitchen; the fragrance and beauty of the garden flowers and vegetables (pink peonies were a favourite); the melodic birds in the backyard; and joyfully twirling in her gelb (yellow) dress that was lovingly hand crocheted by her mother.

She recounted vivid stories of cooking and baking at her mother’s side (she baked her first cake at the age of three) and the family dinner parties that followed, filled raucous laughter; road trips along the California coast and Kansas to visit extended family; and running for the train at the end of a perfect summer day at Winnipeg Beach, soaking up every last minute of a beautiful summer day.

Eileen lived her adult life in the same way, amazed by all the wonders of the natural world and found contentment and joy in simple moments with family and friends. Her faith in God was unwavering – reminding us during challenging times that God was in control and that with faith all things would work out for our highest good and greatest joy. She had a strong lifelong relationship with God and was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church for many years, teaching the Bethel Series and acting as a youth camp counsellor at Luther Village.

Eileen had great taste and style, classic, but youthful at the same time to match her sprightly personality that grew even sweeter with age. She was rarely without a good-natured smile on her face and mischievous twinkle in her beautiful big brown eyes.

Eileen was a loving and devoted daughter, caring for her mother at home until she passed. She was also an honorary “lola” (grandma) to the neighbourhood children and enjoyed sending along little homemade treats and trinkets for birthdays and holidays.

She met her husband Maurice of over 50 years at a country wedding near Tolstoi, Manitoba and they lived in Winnipeg throughout their married life. Her work life was varied, and she diligently applied herself in all her endeavours, including work for The Children's Hospital of Winnipeg, Eaton’s, Robin Hood Flour, Crane Canada, and the Winnipeg Grain Exchange. In later years she managed her son Mark’s fitness centres, Kildonan Fitness and Park West Fitness in Winnipeg for over 15 over years. She enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of all the wonderful people she had met there over the years.

She paused paid work to undertake what she would consider to be her greatest work in life, that of being a mother to Mark and Carolyn…and she couldn’t have been a better one. She taught us through the power of example and the depth of her love. She imparted simple, but powerful principles – “do things the right way and good things will happen”. A glance, a few brief words, or gesture from her long, elegant fingers was all we needed to course correct (even as adults!). She was playful, witty, affectionate, our biggest supporter, and as an award-winning baker and accomplished home cook, her culinary endeavours were legendary.

Eileen spent the last years of her life in the Oceanside area of Vancouver Island, B.C. and immensely enjoyed taking in all the sights and sounds of the beaches, forests, and quaint towns of the area (birds and deer were favourite sightings). Despite unexpected health challenges in her later years, she had an unshakeable faith in God, sense of humour, and deep capacity for joy - welcoming and closing every day with the sweetest of smiles that warmed our hearts and gave us comfort in the knowledge that she was content.

She is predeceased by her parents, Emelie and Henry Buxman; husband Maurice; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Robert Herber (Ethel) and Harold Buxman (Sheila); and extended family.

Fondly remembered by her son, Mark; daughter, Carolyn; niece, Rosanne Buxman; nephew, Neil Herber (Jan Reatherford); other relatives and friends, the memory of beautiful, sweet Eileen will be cherished until we meet again.

We would like to recognize the care and attention our mother received and was always most grateful for over the years. There are too many to name but know that your care was greatly appreciated. 

In honour of Eileen’s memory, a donation to the Nature Conservancy Canada or a charity of your choice would be most appreciated.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23:6
 

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