Eileen Taverner

TAVERNER, Eileen Elizabeth (Rebman) – Passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. She was in her 98th year. Eileen was the beloved wife of the late John Taverner. Loving mother of the late Jacquline Peake, and the late Doug Taverner (Louise). Cherished grandmother of Marsha Nievas (Sebastian), and Blake (Erin). Great grandmother of Alex, Clara, Addison, and Chael. Dear sister of Ken (Marilyn). Predeceased by her siblings Aubrey (Arla), and Grace (Jim) Taverner.

Eileen was the eldest child of Ryde Township pioneers Wesley and Florence Rebman, and she spent her childhood on the family cattle farm. She developed a strong work ethic and a love of horses while growing up helping on the farm.         Always with a love of music, as a teenager, she enjoyed socializing at local dance halls. Her first job was as a housekeeper and cook for Dr. Johnstone in Gravenhurst.

Her first date with her future husband occurred when she attended a dance hosted by the Orangemen for returning soldiers from World War II, and was reunited with John. Due to the lack of job availability after the war in Barkway and Gravenhurst, the couple married and settled in Toronto. Their first living quarters were two rooms on Brock Avenue in the home of the Dawkins, who were life-long friends of the Taverner family. Eileen’s dream to work in an office in Toronto was realized when she grew her career in banking.

In 1948, they welcomed the birth of their daughter Jacqueline Ann Taverner, followed by their second child, a son, Douglas John in 1951. After Doug’s birth, they moved in with John’s sister Eileen to help her with her mortgage, and to save money to purchase their own home on Milverton Boulevard.

While living in Toronto, they frequently returned home to Barkway to visit their families.

They spent their working years in Toronto and after their retirement, they moved back to Barkway. Her retirement years were spent baking, entertaining, caring for her elderly aunts, and her two beloved grandchildren, Marsha and Blake.

Eileen was blessed with good health all her life which enabled her to live independently in her home and allowed her to enjoy her four great grandchildren. As a result of a long and vibrant life in the local community, Eileen was often consulted by authors and local historians seeking information about the local history of Ryde Township and Lewisham.

A common thread throughout her life was her commitment to her church community. She took pride in having an active role in the church, and lived her life in accordance with her faith and Christian values. Eileen’s model for life was to live by the golden rule, and she always had a kind heart and an open ear. She was easy to talk to, due to her peaceful and accepting nature. She gave great advice and was a friend to many. Eileen was truly an angel on Earth.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 20th at the Barkway Cemetery, at 2pm, followed by refreshments at the Ryde Community Co-op Centre.

Memorial contributions to Holy Manger Anglican Church, Barkway, ON greatly appreciated.