In the company of her family and at home, as she wished, Eileen’s beautiful life; a life well-lived, ended in peace and grace on March 23, 2024.
Loving wife of Ralph Beatty for more than 60 years, Eileen always maintained that she and Ralph laughed together every single day of their marriage. Devoted Mum to Ruth and Stephen and adoring Nana to Rafe, Olivia, Jack and Finn, Eileen always said that her children and grandchildren were the great joys of her life.
Born in London, UK and living through the Blitz, Eileen set out on one of her boldest adventures when she bought a one-way ticket and set sail for a new life in Canada in 1955. She met, fell in love with and married Ralph in 1963. While her children were young, Eileen always found the balance and energy to be a successful working mother in an era when this was often the exception. She ran her personnel firm, Eileen Beatty and Associates for many years and held senior administrative positions at several companies.
Always deeply spiritual, Eileen followed the intended path of her life when she was accepted to attend Regis College, Toronto School of Theology in 1995 to train as a Spiritual Director and later as a Supervisor. She found great joy and purpose in accompanying many on their spiritual journey as they experienced and discerned God’s gentle touch in their lives. In 1996 Eileen was accepted as an Associate of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine. For the next 25 years she facilitated spiritual retreats and quiet days and managed the Convent Bookroom. Her study, prayer, reading and meditation at Regis and at Loyola House along with retreats at St. Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre in North Wales grounded her in a life lived in God’s kindness, grace, service and love. Eileen was truly a channel of God’s peace.
Eileen’s wisdom, kindness, joy, courage, deep empathy and love, along with her beautiful smile, will live on in the hearts of her husband, children, grandchildren and all that were graced to have her in their lives on this earth.
A celebration of Eileen’s life will take place at the Chapel of St. Alban the Martyr at her beloved Royal St. George’s College, 120 Howland Avenue, Toronto, on June 1, 2024 at 11:00am. Reception to follow.
Donations in Eileen’s honour would be appreciated at the Dorothy Ley Hospice, under who’s gentle care Eileen spent her final weeks or at the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine.