Edith Eileen Oppel (nee Smith)

Passed away peacefully on November 14, 2021 at the age of 100 years.  Born March 16, 1921 in Nelson Township, Halton County, (Kilbride) she was the oldest of 6 siblings, and outlived all but one, Bud Smith (Ida).  She also leaves behind her two children Bernard Oppel of Ballinafad and Patricia Witol (Jim) of Toronto; her grandchildren Sarah Witol (Eugene Lee), Leslie Strong (Ben) and Bradley Witol; and great-grandchildren Joanna and Alexis Lee and Jane and Ruby Strong.   She was predeceased by her husband John in 1971 as well as her parents, Elva and Stephen Smith and sisters Winnie Whalen, Shirley Goerner, Mary Leeson and Kathleen McGregor.

Upon their marriage in 1945, Eileen and John purchased and settled on a farm on Oxford Rd 14 close to the Towerline Road near Eastwood.  They developed a successful dairy operation and raised their two children there.

She was always very active in her community, being the founding president of the Eastwood Home and School Association, a volunteer with community groups including the Canadian Cancer Society and an active member of St Rita’s Catholic Women’s League.  After 1971, she worked at Western General Mutual Insurance Company in Woodstock where she enjoyed a fulfilling career for 15 years before her retirement. 

Determined to remain active in retirement, she joined the Woodstock YMCA, taking aqua fit and swimming classes.  She also took up golf and bridge and participated in Learning Unlimited and the Women’s Canadian Club, London.   Eileen was an excellent role model regarding her outlook on life and maintaining an active lifestyle.  In 2013, she moved to Cedarview Retirement Home, where she resided until only a month ago when a fall necessitated her moving to Toronto to be closer to her family. 

A private funeral mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Woodstock, Ontario will take place followed by an interment in St Mary’s Cemetery.  If desired memorial contributions can be made to YMCA Woodstock, Holy Trinity Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Smith-LeRoy Funeral home, 69 Wellington St. North, Woodstock ON (519-537-3611).  Personal condolences may be left at www.smithleroy.com.