Eileen Meldon Cant
November 3, 1922 - May 27, 2011
Obituary
Born Liverpool, England November 3, 1922. Died, suddenly and unexpectedly, Bothell, Washington, May 27, 2011. Survived by husband of 40 years, Oswald H. Cant, Kirkland, WA; daughter, Nancy Ann Mew Tony Buckinghamshire, England; son, William R. Karsteter Moana, Crawfordville, FL; son, Christopher Karsteter Mary, Seattle, WA; sister, Mona Maquire, Liverpool; and sister, Pat Magerison Ernie, North Wales.
Beloved wife, mother, sister and friend.
A proud member of the ‘Greatest Generation’, her wartime experiences are outlined in her memoir, ‘Tuppence for Violets-my life as a nurse in London during World War II’. Post-war, Lynn started a family and resided in Germany, France and the English countryside in Buckinghamshire. In 1970, she relocated to Atlanta, GA, where she met and married Oswald. A savvy businesswoman, Lynn owned and operated Lullaby Nursery School for 11 years, where she was adored by children and parents alike. Lynn & Oswald spent many memorable holidays at their home on the coast in Natal, South Africa. In 1999, she retired, with Ossie, to the Pacific Northwest.
A talented dressmaker, Lynn designed and made many of her own clothes and was known for her love of hats. She was a great lover of all creatures and an ardent defender of underdogs. Lynn possessed a delightful, often mischievous, sense of humor and was always the center of attention in any room.
Loyal, compassionate, funny, kind, impish, irrepressible, irresistible, and irreplaceable Lynn. Our hearts are breaking, for we know we have all lost our very best friend! But, ‘our Eileen’ lives on now in our hearts and in sweet memories. ‘Put the kettle on, Mum, we’ll all be home soon to join you for a nice cup of tea!’
Donations in her memory may be made to The Seattle Humane Society.
From the heart, Lynn’s farewell notes to family pets lovingly saved from an old discarded address book.
+ Bobby, loved and missed sadly. R.I.P
+ Pappy, September 13th, 1978. Great escape butterfly drawing. R.I.P.
+ Karine April 20th 1979. No more flies and bees. R.I.P.
+ Ari and Albert, sadly missed. R.I.P.
+ Darling little Mother’s Maybe Oct 1979 – Tuesday, June 12th, 1994. R.I.P.
My sweet little angel, how sadly missed you are and will be forever – Mom’s Maybe Darling.
+ Nicole, sweet little girl baby. R.I.P.
+ My baby Buffy, July 19th, 1995. R.I.P.
Sweet little darling with the long eye lashes and sweet face.
+ Mary Lynn, June 1st ,1998. Momma’s little darling R.I.P.
+ Kimba love, my big baby, sadly missed and forever. R.I.P.
+ Darling Kuma, August 1999, so sadly missed forever. R.I.P.
Sleep well darling boy.
And now my darling Lynnie you are gone and I miss you so.
To Lynn’s family, my husband, Larry and I extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beloved Mother. I have not known your mother very long but feel very fortunate to have spent a few ” tea times” with her. We are Dave and Sara Kruse’s parents and came to know Lynn through them. What a wonderful lady! Being a fellow nurse, she and I spent one afernoon talking about our profession. I was especially interested in her stories of working during the war. She seemed so pleased to give me a copy of her book and I was very grateful to receive it. When I think of her, a smile comes to my lips. She was very kind me and made me feel welcome in her home. I can only imagine the loss you feel. How fortunate you were to have her in your lives for a lifetime. I am certain she will be missed by many.
Dear Mum,
I have been reflecting these past three weeks on who you were and what you meant to me. So many memories course through my mind as I reflect on how our lives intertwined. Even when apart, I always felt you were there by my side. You have always been such a central part of my life; a resolute rock that the turgid waves of life’s disappointments broke upon, protecting me……….always protecting me.
But the one word that invariably springs forth when I think of you is love. You had such a propensity for love when it came to your children. Always forgiving, always encouraging, always optimistic; you were our biggest fan and advocate! I feel that I have lost something so precious that it cannot be described in words. You had an aura of love about you when it came to us that we will never again experience in this life.
Continued
Continued
You were human and possessed human foibles but these shortcomings were so overwhelmed by the sheer scope of your huge personality! You were fun! So many people were touched by your delightful spirit. At Foundation House alone, where you were for a scant eight months, you made such a huge impact with your upbeat, mischievous personality and your care and regard for fellow residents. I have run into so many people there that, teary-eyed, have exclaimed that “the place just won’t be the same without Lynn!”
Well, Mum, my place just won’t be the same without you!
I miss you.
Your loving son, always,
Christopher
My sister was also my friend. We shared an everlasting bond that parting cannot break.
You will always be in my heart and when my sorrow has eased I will smile each time I think of you and know that you will be pleased.
I love you Eileen.
Your sister Pat
xxx
Lynn was a friend and neighbor for 10 years. She loved our children and they loved her dearly. Lynn was a personal friend and I enjoyed sharing my life with her. Every time we went to her house, she always invited us in. She never let the kids leave without a treat! She would listen as I talked about my frustrations as a parent, and would share her stories of parenthood. She never was judgmental, and always had a sense of humor. Lynn lavished affection on my children. Oswald and Lynn took pictures and encouraged Anna before her first dance recital, cheered on Brett in his passion for chess, and invited Emma and Andy over to tea parties. She made sure no one felt left out. They were the first people to meet my children right after they were born. We met them on Christmas the last 6 years, and the kids always ensured we stopped there on Halloween. She was playful and silly, but also caring and involved. Lynn has a special place in the heart of our family. We really miss her.
Lynn, I will miss our “tea times”and all the talks we shared. You were so helpful with my crocheting and helping me with any sewing questions I had. I’m so glad that I did get to visit you one last time. Love, Judy
Have very happy memories of the much to few times spent together
I am sending heartfelt condolences to you, also on behalf of my mother,Angelika Alice Irving. She treasured Lynn’s friendship very much, during those postwar years and all the years afterwards. My Mom spoke of her often to me.
It’s so painful to lose a parent. I wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts.
I miss and love you Mom: my heart is breaking.
xxxx
My dearest Mum, now you will have your eye on me
forever. Love and miss you more than words can express! love you forever!
your son,
Bill
Dearest Mum,
It is hard to believe that you are gone. I saw a squirrel by your grave today and wanted to call to tell you about it-how silly! You loved squirrels…and all living things.
You were the best mother to all of us; no-one could have ever had a better Mum. Although you are gone now to a “better place,” you leave behind a legacy of love, compassion, kindness and integrity.
We are all better to have known you. I will miss our drives, our games and our playful conversations. You taught me to laugh at an early age, and I will miss our giggling together!
I love you Mum.
Your son,
Christopher