Linda Hill
A Tribute to my lovely Sister and Friend
As Len has said Eileen liked sport, she was very competitive back in the day.
Eileen had left school by the time I joined that same school in Kenfig Hill, which by now was known as Mynydd Cynffig Comprehensive. I will always remember a senior teacher reminding me of how good Eileen had been at sport. I had a lot to live up to in those early days but followed in her footsteps! As I got a bit older I joined Eileen playing netball for Bridgend Ladies, later we played together at the same badminton club; although I will confess Eileen was far better at badminton than I. We had a lot in common; even sharing a pair of spikes in my early days of track running until Dad insisted that my mother bye me new ones! There was at times a bit of sibling rivalry but we always enjoyed camaraderie and friendship in those long ago days!!
I was very proud of Eileen’s achievements; particularly when she obtained her Open University Degree in Physics and then went on to complete her Post Graduate Teaching degree. (PGCE), I couldn’t have been prouder as I know she had a busy family life.
What was Eileen like? she was a kind sister who always cared; she provided comfort, a listening ear and good advice when times were tuff. We confided in each other as sisters and friends. Eileen was a good mother to her children, Stephen, Christopher and Andrew; she loved all her grandchildren, Anthony, Chloe, Kyle, Jake and Maisie. She was unable to meet her newest grandchild, Destiny who was only born a few weeks ago; I know she would have loved her just as much as the others!
Eileen always made a welcome in the hillside for everyone who visited. I always felt I could stay whenever I wanted or needed to and frequently visited when I could during the school breaks.
She always provided a warm bed, food and plenty of cups of tea when needed with plenty of chatter along the way. She loved her family gatherings and BBQ’s. She cared for everyone and gave all she could to her family.
Living the other side of the severn bridge and having busy family and working lives meant we could not see each other enough, but hardly a weekend went bye without a phone call, more so the past 5 years. The conversations usually lasted for at least an hour long; Eileen would remind me when the hour was up as the weekend rate was free for the first hour. One of us would ring the other back if the conversation hadn’t finished by then. I am going to miss her, not being able to pick up the phone and chat on the weekends. I will miss the frequent stays during school holidays and most of all I will miss her warmth, her presence and friendship.
Lastly - Courageously Eileen fought her illness and never gave up, always being positive and making the most of her time. I believe she hasn’t left any of us and will remain with us in spirit! Sleep tight my lovely sister until we meet again!!