Eileen McPherson
elevated 4QpC3 November 24, 1943 – November 25, 2025
elevated 4QpC3 Visitation
Saturday December 6, 2025 from 11am to 1:15pm
elevated 4QpC3 Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 4QpC3 Funeral Mass – Chapel of St. Joseph (within the Funeral Home)
Saturday December 6, 2025 at 1:30pm
elevated 4QpC3 To watch the Mass live, please CLICK HERE
elevated 4QpC3 Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
8361 Yonge Street, Thornhill, ON, L3T 2C7
elevated 4QpC3 Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eileen McPherson (nee Gillis), a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law and friend.
elevated 4QpC3 Known to all with affection as “Weenie” she was a tiny but mighty force who made an impact on everyone she knew.
elevated 4QpC3 Weenie’s nurturing spirit, unwavering support, and boundless love will forever live on in the hearts of anyone who was blessed to know her. Known for her warm and caring personality, she had a generous heart, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. A remarkable woman, who dedicated her life to helping others.
elevated 4QpC3 Weenie was a recognized community leader and dedicated staff member at St. Francis de Sales C.S. She began as a lunchroom supervisor in 1980. Later she became an educational assistant specializing in the care of exceptional needs children. A pioneer of the breakfast program as well as a supply teacher at both De Sales and St. Charles Garnier. A mentor, educator, and mother to all in the St. Jane Francis parish community for over 50 years.
elevated 4QpC3 Special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Hawthorne Place Care Centre for your kindness to our mother. In her final years she was a resident there, along with her sister-in-law Elvina. Both women in the early days of their stay were convinced each was there to keep the other one company. Elvina was and still is a constant and devoted friend to mom.
elevated 4QpC3 Her memory will be forever cherished by her family, friends, and colleagues. Her spirit will continue to inspire us all. In our hearts, she lives on, and we will forever honour the legacy of a remarkable woman who made a lasting impact on the world.
elevated 4QpC3 Predeceased by her husband William of 52 years.
elevated 4QpC3 Loving mother to Donna, Connie, Jamie (Don); Tracy (Marcus), Tammy (Pete) and Terry (Rob).
elevated 4QpC3 Adoring grandmother to Gerald and Stacy; Donnie, Nicole and Ashley; Evan; Elizabeth and Samantha; Angela, Alex (Sophie) and Emily. Proud Great grandmother to Star; Cameron and Jack; Kayla and Katie and Henry.
elevated 4QpC3 Daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Gillis (nee Hutchings).
elevated 4QpC3 Sister to Danny, Raymond, Ronnie, Harvey, Sarah, James, and George. Survived by sister Lorraine and brother Dougal Gillis. Beloved Aunt, sister-in-law and friend to many.
elevated 4QpC3 In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Breakfast Club of Canada https://www.breakfastclubcanada.org/ a cause close to her heart. In this way, her legacy of caring for children continues. Alternative donations to the children’s charity of your choice are welcomed.
elevated 4QpC3
I’m so sorry for you loss! My deepest condolences to you and your family. My name is Tammy I am the granddaughter of Jeanie and the daughter of Robin.
There are no words that can express the level of devotion, compassion, and energy that Weenie committed to her family, her community, and the schools that she was part of throughout her life. She was tireless in her efforts to spread joy and warmth to those around her. The world was definitely a better place with Weenie in it. She will be truly missed.
Deepest condolence to you Tammy, Pete and you whole family. Tammy your mother made such a difference in her life.
I had the honor of knowing Ms. McPherson for most of my life.
She was my best friend Terry’s mom. My mom. Your mom too, if you were lucky enough to be in her vicinity.
She was a teacher who gave hope and love and kindness to children with special needs. Sometimes more unconditional than what they were conditionally getting at home.
I remember the special education classroom she taught in. Where so many children and teachers and people would flock. Because within those small makeshift special education room walls, everyone mattered. Everyone was able, and enough and loved, as long as you believed in them as Ms. McPherson did.
We were all living in rainbows in that room. Kids were creating art with colorful markers, building what they dared to dream with construction paper, popsicle sticks, etc. because everything was possible in Ms. McPherson’s classroom.
Remember, I’m one of the lucky people who got to call her family. And she was no different at home.
She was kind and generous and loving. She always made sure me and Terri had fresh yummy food and drinks, and the freshest softest most perfect bread with the most delicious butter. I loved it so much. I would eat it until I had chest pains from the butter. And Ms. McPherson always ensured she was amply stocked.
She cooked such delicious food. With the beautiful aromas of her love filling the house and then our belly’s. Christmas time was the best. The feeling and spirit of Christmas was palpable in Ms McPhersons house. So was the love.
Unfortunately for us earthbound, our Lord wanted her to come home.
I know in my heart how proud our Lord must have been when he welcomed her home. How amazingly she used her time here on earth to live and light the world with love, the way our Lord intends.
Because to me, that’s what Ms. McPherson was. She was love.
And forever will be.
Natalie Assadourian Dyke
My condolences to all her family and friends. Ms McPherson was just the best lady around in my childhood at school. Sendings hugs to the family. My sincerest 🙏🏼