Storrington District Loses Volunteer of the Year

Catherine Reynolds | Nov 30, 2016

A tightknit village in Storrrington is reeling after the death of its Volunteer of the Year.Eileen Sleeth of Battersea, the community’s 2015 award recipient, died at home at 3:20 am on Nov. 15 after a lengthy battle with cancer Wife of Ron Sleeth, a Councillor with South Frontenac Township, Eileen was recognized by municipal officials earlier this year for her volunteer work with organizations such as Battersea United Church where she served on the Board of Stewards.

According to her family, Sleeth devoted her life to helping others.
“Sitting in the second last row from the back of the church, Eileen closed her eyes every Sunday and quietly thanked God for her family, friends and blessings,” noted Ron, her high school sweetheart and husband of 54 years.

“In the church, she thought about the four boys she raised and the eight grandchildren she’s helping to navigate through life. In those four walls, she laughed, cried and prayed. It was a symbol to her, a place of sanctuary built on a rock. She gravitated there, because deep down, she felt the same way.

“Eileen was a person of faith, loyalty and independence. Her foundation was an unwavering love for her family. It was her rock.”

“Eileen was the hands and feet of Battersea United Church,” said Rev. Heather McLurg Murphy. “She was someone who welcomed newcomers and made them feel at home. She was a faithful steward of the church who organized hundreds of fundraisers. We will miss her delicious baking, especially her famous pies, butter tarts and shortbread cookies. Her church family will always be grateful to Eileen for how she was always willing to contribute her prayers, gifts, and services for the work of her church.”

Eileen is remembered for the 37 years she worked as a school bus driver with Robert Hogan Bus Line.
She was a volunteer with the Frontenac Federation of Agriculture, Battersea Pumpkin Festival and a member of the Red Hat Society.

Eileen enjoyed researching family genealogy, fishing on Loughborough Lake and live musical performances by Daniel O’Donnell. She dreamed of travelling to France to visit five students whom she hosted at the family farm for five consecutive summers.

Eileen Sleeth is remembered by residents in the community for her kindness and compassion towards others. She was renowned for her work to organize and support community events. Residents describe her as a caretaker of her family, church and community.

“Between the sermons and the hymns, Eileen and her church family moved mountains as they worked to match their commitments to their convictions,” said Ron from the family dairy farm.

“She was a good person who walked softly and helped many.”

“Our family was often astounded by Eileen’s knowledge and ability which we attributed to raising four sons, the loss of the homestead barn and later the destruction of the family store, all before she was 35 years old,” said Lindsay Sleeth, Eileen’s only granddaughter.

“She was proof that hard times always lead to something great.”

Eileen Sleeth was laid to rest at Sandhill Cemetery in Battersea on Nov. 21