Obituary of Eileen Richards

Eileen Richards Funeral Service Livestream

A resident of Chatham, Eileen Richards passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family on the evening of Saturday, December 20th, 2025 at her home.

She was the daughter of the late Sydney & Grace (nee Mills) Clackett.

Eileen is reunited with her loving husband, Lloyd Richards (2006).

Forever remembered by her children, Robert Richards, Carrie Richards, John Richards, & Marianne Jee (Trevor).

Grandmother of Nicole Richards, Alisha Flanagan (Sean), Gregory Tiffin, Shannon Richards-Dyson, Kelly Richards, and Daniel Jee, Matthew Jee (Paige) & Austin Jee.

Predeceased by her granddaughter, Samantha Richards.

Great-Grandmother of Jocelyn Richards, Mackenzie Deschamps (Zach), Gabrielle Plouffe, William Plouffe, Joseph Flanagan, Jayden & Ryley Richards-Dennis, Mia, & Houston Richards-Dyson.

Great-great grandmother of Lucy, Noella and Rudy.
 
Mom married the love of her life in 1953 after meeting through the Young Peoples Union in Merlin.  They began their family in 1958, with 4 children over a span of 8 years.  She went on to become a grandma to 9, great grandma to 9 and great great grandma to 3.  Throughout her life, Eileen was known for her generosity and giving spirit.  Always contributing and volunteering over the years through Church, Genealogy Society, Community Concerts, Zonta Club, Leisure Club, CGIT, Young People's, Merry Mates and the Kiwanis Club to name a few. Her love of genealogy included transcribing every stone in each cemetery across Kent County, typing the transcription and donating the findings to help people find a family member.  Mom and dad were both very active at  Kenesserie Camp, where dad proposed to mom.  She went onto be the Treasurer and Bookkeeper at Kenesserie for many years, followed by camp directors, with continued support to the camp over the decades.  She was an original participant for the 1st Kiwanis Music Festival in Chatham in 1945 and continued to participate by volunterring throughout her life each year.  Mom and dad were part of the group that originated the Chatham Mallwalkers 30 years ago and where she walked until the age of 90.  Also at the amazing age of 90, she organized what would be her last charitable act for a crepe dinner for the Kiwanis Club in Chatham.  Her work career spanned many decades offering bookkeeping services to numerous small businesses and charitable organizations through out Chatham. Mom and dad loved to travel and they had a passion for square dancing, with many lifelong friends being made in their journey.  Their travels span from camping trips across Canada with the family growing up, to the empty nest travels to Europe, Alaska, Australia and Canada.  Mom had a love for nature and enjoyed feeding/watching the birds and squirrels that came to visit her front porch as well as Milo and Lexi, her 2 feline friends who came to entertain.  She was a master scrabble player, she loved her computer and always had a puzzle on the go for anyone to assist when visiting.  

Thank you to the Paramed Nurses for her continued care with a special thank you to Nurse Shirley for beginning and ending with her and to the amazing PSW's for their love and gentle care.  Thank you to Carolyn, our favourite EMS and to Tena for being you and loving mom the way you did (Team Eileen!). Special thank you to Dr. Morand who fulfilled her promise to always take care of her. Our gratitude for your guidance, care and support to each one of you is endless.

Family to receive friends on Friday, December 26, 2025 at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. A Funeral Service to be held at 11:00 am on Saturday at the Funeral Home. Burial to follow in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Chatham.

In memory of Eileen, donations may be made to the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation, Heart & Stroke Foundation or to Crohns and Colitis Foundation.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040