NEMIS, Eileen Frances (Podgurski) New Waterford
With tremendous strength, determination and courage, Eileen peacefully passed away in the An Cala Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney. She joined the Lord on May 31, 2018 with her family by her side. Mom was born in New Waterford on May 19, 1945 to Stanley and Christina (Mrazek) Podgurski. She was a longtime member of St. Agnes Parish and more recently a member of St. Leonard’s Parish, both in New Waterford.
Mom was a loving wife, a caring yet disciplined mother, a compassionate and giving grandmother, a dear friend, volunteer and hard-working entrepreneur. She graduated from St. Agnes and Mount Carmel Schools, New Waterford then completed her Bachelor of Education at St. Francis Xavier University where she played varsity basketball. Later Mom achieved her Masters of Education, again from St. F.X.U. For 32 years Mom taught at the elementary and high school levels in New Waterford, volunteering her time to coach girl’s basketball and supported the Coal Bowl Classic. She was President of the AAC at BEC, a member of the Kinettes, an avid bowler, skater, traveler, and fierce, talented seamstress. Prior to and after retirement from BEC, Mom operated a successful costume and sewing business from her home. Florida called Mom and Dad, and they spent many wonderful years in the ‘winter’ home of Brooksville with family and friends
She is survived and will be dearly missed by her devoted, loving husband of 53 years, Colin ‘Nick’ Nemis; children, Blaine (Melanie), Cooks Brook, NS, Joanna (Danny) White, Halifax, Chris (Michelle), New Waterford and her “other sons,” Steve Podgurski and Tony Spencer, both of Ontario. Mom is also survived and missed by her sister, Eunice (Les) Chiasson, South Bar; many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mom had an extraordinary place in her heart for her cherished grandchildren who all brought her significant joy, Morgan, Nick, Jacob, Jenna and Noah.
Besides her parents, Eileen was also predeceased by brothers, Steve and Joe.
Mom taught us many things, including a solid work ethic, to be kind, forgiving, faithful, compassionate and courageous. We are all blessed to have had her in our lives.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Sunday evening, June 3, 2018 from 6-8 p.m., in the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford.
The Funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. Ray Huntley, will be celebrated 10 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2018 in St. Leonard’s Church, Mt. Carmel Ave., New Waterford. Following the Mass, all are invited to join Eileen’s family at a reception in St. Leonard’s Parish Hall, Convent Street, New Waterford.
At this time, we would like to express a very special thanks to Dr. Mary Ann Campbell, the staff and volunteers at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit.
Family flowers only. Memorial donations in Mom’s memory may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton.
Online condolences to the family can be expressed at www.vjmcgillivray.ca.