Eileen, fondly called ‘Dear Gran’ by her grandchildren, was born in Kingston, Jamaica and died in her adopted home Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada. Predeceased by her parents Archibald and Maud (Chisholm) Drew and siblings Gloria, Jessie, Garth, eldest son Van, first husband Ferdinand Martin and the love of her mature years Fred Otte. Survived by her loving sister Audrey, sons Wayne (Maggie) and Mark (Michelle), grandchildren Stephen, Kevin, Van Richard, Kelli, Christophe, and Drew, 11 greatgrandchildren, and 1 great-greatgrandchild, nieces and nephews Paula, Lorraine, Christopher, Tracey, Karen, Elizabeth, Catherine, Yvonne, Donna, Richard and their families. Also survived by Fred Otte’s daughters Carmen Huren (Ted) and Sieglinde Iacono, grandson Jason (Lorraine), great-granddaughters Ainsley and Leah), niece-in-law Helga and other Otte relatives in Germany. In addition, there are former daughters-in-law Jassi, Harriet (daughter Megan) and Sharon, cousins, close friends, and their families whom Eileen embraced, loved and included as part of her “immediate” blended family.

Eileen grew up in Jamaica before emigrating to Canada in 1977. She described her childhood as “happy” though her mother died when she was 10 years old. Her grandmother “Granny Drew” provided a loving home with strong Christian values for Eileen, her siblings and cousin Roy Russell. She attended Alpha Academy for girls, which instilled in her a lifelong dedication to serve and help others. Throughout her life, she never forgot others who were less fortunate. She visited and helped to create charities for the Jamaica Christian Boys Home (An Orphanage), Bustamante Hospital and many others. With her first husband she helped to build the island’s tourist trade. A highlight of her life was being presented to HRH Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. She served as a mentor and chaperone for some of Jamaica’s most successful Miss Jamaica beauty queens, travelling the world with them as a principled, stylish model.

In 1977 Eileen migrated to Canada. She embraced her new country, participating in church, community, and volunteer activities. She was genuinely concerned about the needs of people encountered at the Food Bank. The last year she was able to volunteer she made over 300 small presents, each beautifully wrapped/bagged and decorated for Food Bank clients because “everyone deserves a present at Christmas”.

Employed by Eaton Yale Ltd. as an Administrative Assistant, she ran the office with gracious efficiency. She soon met her beloved, ‘Fred’ Bruno Otte. They enjoyed travel adventures, socializing with family and friends, and learning each other’s cultures, life experiences, and hobbies. He taught her to ski and was her ever willing driver and handyman for her crafts and volunteer activities. During his final years of ill health, she became his devoted nurse, a fierce protective carer until he died in 2018.

Eileen’s life will be celebrated on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Turner & Porter Peel Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario L5B 1M8. Formal viewing from 2 pm to 3pm, Service at 3pm with a reception to follow.

In Lieu of flowers, Dear Gran requested donations for: Saint James Food Basket, 400 Burnamthorpe Road, Etobicoke M9B 2AB. Donations may be given in cash or by personal cheque at the Service or mailed directly to the address above. They will mail out a receipt. Donations may also be made by direct E-transfer online.