The chapters of Eileen's life reflect well the deep desires of Desiderata, the integrity of the valiant woman, and the priorities and balance of Luke's gospel we have just listened to. Of course there is the chapter we all bear - the places of our living and dying:

Eileen was born on 15th October 1931 at South Karrawinna, near Mildura, where she lived for 4 years. Her mother and grandparents were a strong influence in her life,as her parents separated soon after she was born. She was to move to different boarding schools at Mildura, Vaucluse, Richmond and Kyneton. After her schooling, Eileen lived in South Yarra, and worked first at a jeweller's measuring gold, then at Dalgety's in a clerical position in their insurance arm.

The next chapter and the main one was undoubtedly the meeting of Eileen and Michael. Any story of Eileen is a story of the partnership between Michael and Eileen - a strong and devoted love till the end and beyond.

Eileen had wanted to marry someone from a large family (she being an only child), with a farm and definitely not Irish. You have heard of three strikes. She married, in Michael, an only child, with no farm and very definitely Irish. They met at dances at St George's Carlton on Sunday evenings, with a shared talk of a Tasmanian holiday, and a regular Pride of Erin. They married on 25th January 1958 at St Joseph's, South Yarra, and immediately built at 28 Elora Rd, Oakleigh South, which was to be their one and only home.

What a contrast, however, for Eileen from South Yarra. It was a lonely experience at first, with only five other houses on the estate as well as Commonwealth Golf Club. Here they would raise their young family: Louise, Brendan and Cecilia. And there begins another chapter.

Theirs was a choice of St Peter's or Sacred Heart, Oakleigh. They settled for St. Peter's East Bentleigh and made their way there on their pushbikes. They were known for running late just as Eileen had been seen running for the tram in Commercial Rd, Prahran on her way to work many years before. Like many others, they didn't have a lot of money, but the children don’t recall ever feeling that they had missed out. They had good Christmases and holidays, and there was a sense of not worrying - that all would be provided for - and it was.

Holidays were a good memory for the family: often starting out at 4.30am, driving all day, stopping for breakfast, a counter lunch, even a stop at the races one trip, having got Mildura by lunch and Broken Hill by teatime. It would be a different caravan park each night, booking ahead as they went. Eileen was strict on Michael keeping to the speed limit, but after a couple of lunch beers Eileen would often have sleep in the car and Michael would make up for lost time, much to the delight of the children.

They saw a lot of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. Another chapter contains some recollections of the children: Brendan's coming in at 12.30am looking for raisin toast and Eileen saying "I'll do it for you". Cecilia's coming in much later, to her mother's displeasure, to find her electric blanket turned off. Louise's memory of Eileen at school canteens even after the children had finished school.

Eileen was a shy person, never dominating, devoted to her family and local community of school and parish, always there and supportive, encouraging the children in their own endeavours and adventures. Dermot and Annie were a great source of joy to her. She and Michael enjoyed walking, both keeping fit and healthy.

Then of course there is the chapter of Eileen's brief sickness, so rapid was the spread of the cancer, just diagnosed in March of this year. Yet through all of this she didn't want to be a burden on anyone, she didn't want any fuss, and often would be thinking of and visiting others at Linacre Hospital when there for her treatment. I think she showed much grace and trust through her sickness and in facing her death. She wanted nothing more than to have her family around her, and she did. So much of her story expresses the value of integrity and balance and priorities that we have proclaimed today as gifts of God and way to life and fulfilment. Eileen’s story is a reason to be grateful and rejoicing in the midst of the sadness and shock of her quick death.

I can imagine and hear her instructions to us as the children heard and recalled them:

"Drive safely - Don't get sunburnt - Got your hanky."

For all this we give thanks and know that God will keep this love and life alive in us all.

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