Eileen Lesanko (nee Mattison) was born on October 28, 1924 to Melvin and Inga Mattison in Preeceville in the house that her uncle Martin built. She grew up on a few farms north of Sturgis. While growing up, Eileen enjoyed the company of her brothers and sisters: all of whom predecease her: Milford, Oscar (Betty), Alice (Frank), Alma (Les), Mabel (Ole) and Norman (Vera). She enjoyed helping her father around the farm, including carpentry and butchering.

     Eileen went to High School in Windsor, Ontario, then spent time in Vancouver working as an Usherette. When she returned to the farm in Sturgis, Eileen met the love of her life, Michael Lesanko in 1945. They were married in 1946, and she began her life as a farm wife. Eileen and Michael had five children: Marlene (Claire Jones); Pat (Herbert Sattlegger); Joy; Marianne (deceased); and Brad (Momoko Kanaya). Eileen was initially not too fond of her farm life, but she grew to master it.

     Eileen was an excellent cook and gardener. She enjoyed activities like softball as a youngster. She later got involved with crafts like crocheting, liquid embroidery, and collecting spoons. Eileen loved spending time with her grandchildren: Andrea, Pam, Michael, Angela, Christopher, Matthew, Brianna, Kim, Laurie Taylor, Benjamin and Kate. She also enjoyed the company of her great grandchildren: RaeLynn, Poppy, Jade, Oceania, Nevaeh, Zaden and Gemma. Later in life, Eileen enjoyed having tea and playing cards with her many friends. Eileen always looked forward to visits from her “home care” family. Her dry sense of humour and brutal honesty will be remembered. Eileen passed peacefully on November 21, 2017 at the Preeceville Health Center, with family at her side.

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