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Eileen was a member of the Formby Group for 10 years. During more recent years she had suffered some health issues which meant she could not always come but it was always a delight to see her when she did attend and we all realised what an effort it was for her on some days.

Nevertheless, she still painted beautifully (as you can see from the pictures) and we’re sure she got great pleasure and satisfaction from it. Like most excellent artists she was always very modest and self-critical but it was clear to anyone who saw her work that she really excelled.

It’s certain that she always had the loving support of her husband, Jim, and all the rest of her family, and this helped her over some of the most difficult times.

A Danish friend on holiday with me came to the Group once and Eileen kindly invited us home where she showed us some of her paintings and Jim’s beautiful garden and flowers. As a result, Eileen kindly painted a picture for Heidi, and this is what Heidi wrote when she heard the sad news – ‘Of course I remember Eileen, she was such a nice person with a good heart. It is a bit strange, because last week I moved her painting into ‘my’ little room and stood looking at it for a while and thinking of Eileen. It is so sad that she is no longer with us. Please give the family my kind regards – Heidi’

This sums up what we all felt about her and we’ll miss her smiling, kindly presence.

Kathy Taphouse