Obituary of Eileen Kennel

On November the 29th at her residence, Fairview Mennonite Home in Cambridge after a brief illness. She was in her 89th year. Eileen was born August 5th 1923, in Baden Ontario to Ida (Gascho) and John O. Jantzi. In 1951 she married Edgar Kennel who predeceased her in 1994. She was the cherished mother of Ross and his wife Janet of Waterloo, Richard of Kitchener and Tim and his wife Jeanette also of Kitchener. She was grandmother of Adam and Katie of Toronto, Laura of Kitchener and Emily of Ottawa. Also survived by two great-grandchildren Parker and Thomas. She was predeceased by her grandson Scott in 1989. Also left to mourn are many special nieces and nephews. She is survived by her sister Elaine and her brother-in-law Laverne Lebold of North Bay, her brother Clare and her sister-in-law Marie of London, her sister-in-law Sally Jantzi of Vancouver B.C. She is also survived by Edgar's brother Anson and his wife Esther of New Hamburg. She was predeceased by her brother Vernon and his wife Shirley of Toronto, Mabel and her husband Gordon Erb of Zurich, Ontario, Glenn and his wife Ethel of Kitchener, Roy of Waterloo and her sister Aimee and her husband Lloyd Barth of Goderich; also predeceased by Edgar's brother and five sisters and their spouses. Mom was a bright woman. She trained as a secretary and had, prior to her marriage, worked in the office of the AR Goudie Department Store and at the Mennonite Central Committee when their offices were still located on Union St. in Waterloo. She returned to the workforce in 1965 to become the first secretary at Westmount Public School. She worked there for 22 years. She was also an active member of Erb Street Mennonite Church. She served the church as a Sunday School teacher, Librarian, and on the Personnel Committee. For many years she was also the treasurer of the sewing circle. By nature Mom was outgoing, she enjoyed meeting new people. She was a good listener and told interesting stories. She made and kept friends in her neighborhood, at church, at work, and in her travels. She loved life, her family and her friends. The family will be forever grateful for the loving care provided to our mother by the wonderful Fairview staff. Eileen's family will receive friends at Fairview Mennonite Home 515 Lang's Dr., Cambridge this afternoon (Thursday, December 1) from 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm. Visitation will continue at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home 171 King St. S., Waterloo this evening (Thursday) from 7-9 pm and on Friday, December 2 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. The funeral service to celebrate her life and faith will be held at Erb St. Mennonite Church in Waterloo on Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 2 pm with Rev. Eleanor Epp-Stobbe officiating. Interment to follow at Erb St. Mennonite Cemetery. Reception in the church hall. Condolences for the family and donations to MCC or Fairview Mennonite Home may be arranged through the funeral home www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.