EILEEN DOROTHY KREJCI
1928 - 2012
Mrs. Eileen Dorothy Krejci passed away on January 15, 2012 at the age of 83 years. Eileen was born in Stettler where she lived on the family farm northwest of town. She was the fourth eldest of eight children born to Albert and Isabelle (Belle) Rairdan. Eileen attended the Liberal School where she completed grade nine. As was the case with most farm children, she had chores to do to help the family make a living and also helped to look after the younger members of the family. After completing her basic education, Eileen attended the Jacobsen School of Beauty where she received her certificate and became a beautician. She worked as a beautician at various locations in Calgary, Banff and also in Edmonton. In the early 60's, her father's health began to fail. At this time Eileen moved home to help her parents. She opened her own beauty shop called Parkdale Beauty Salon in Stettler which she operated for many years. In 1966, Eileen met a Chartered Accountant by the name of Ward Krejci and the couple were married in November of that same year. She then sold the beauty Salon and became a full time homemaker. In 1973, Eileen and Ward were blessed with the arrival of their chosen daughter, Charlene who was 5 1/2 years old. At that time, Eileen took on the many challenges of being an instant full time Mom. Eileen had somewhat of an artistic bent and completed many craft projects for which she won an array of red and blue ribbons at Stettler and area fairs. While her focus was primarily on being a Mom and a homemaker, she also was involved in a number of organizations such as the Stettler Kinnette Club and the Liberal Church Ladies Club in which she held various offices. She also taught Sunday School for a number of years. Eileen and Ward loved travelling and made trips to Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii. They particularly enjoyed Hawaii where they travelled to about 25 times. When in Honolulu in 1998, Eileen suffered an accident where her right femur was broken in five places. She spent more than three months in hospital and underwent 5 surgeries to try to deal with the severe injury. All of this hospitalization seemed to start the process of deterioration in her ability to pursue her hobbies and to travel which she had loved so. Eileen had a keen sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke and often shared her favorites with family and friends. She quite often clipped the Herman cartoons out of the newspaper as she wanted to share them with her sister Helen. Eileen was a very special person and always had a warm friendly smile which she shared with everyone. Her philosophy was "smile to show people they are accepted" and she said it always worked! Eileen is survived by her loving husband Ward and their daughter Charlene, brothers Ken and Ron Rairdan, sister Helen (Glen) Munro, sisters-in-law Norma M. Rairdan, Norma L. Rairdan, Kelly Rairdan, Isley Krejci and Linda (Eric) Saari and brother-in-law Robert Krejci. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many very dear friends. Eileen was predeceased by her parents Albert and Isabelle Rairdan, and by brothers Murray, Ross, Larry and Jerry. A memorial service to honor Eileen will be held at the Stettler United Church on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. with the Rev. David Denholm officiating. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Eileen, memorial contributions may be made to the Stettler Health Services Foundation - Pine Ridge, the Stettler United Church or to a charity of your choice in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services P.O. Box 193 Stettler, Alberta TOC 2LO, who have been entrusted with the care and arrangements. 403.742.3315. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.brennenfuneralhome.com.