Obituary of Eileen Phyllis Greenwood

Eileen Phyllis Greenwood, Christ’s loyal and faithful servant, was called home by her Lord on January 28, 2023, in her 96th year. Eileen is predeceased by parents Harry and Lucy (Reynolds), brother Norman and sister in law Betty (Scott). Surviving Eileen is niece Denise Greenwood of London, niece Shelley Klatt (Greg) of Fenelon Falls, nephew Allan Greenwood of Wasaga Beach, great nephew Mitchell Klatt (Marina) and great niece Alanna Klatt (Hernani).

Born and raised in Strathroy, Ontario, Eileen pursued her nursing training in Toronto at St. Michael’s Hospital and later graduated with a B.Sc. in Administration from Western University. Inspired by a Belgian Priest and the son of missionary parents living in India, Eileen undertook a life of service which saw her travel the globe for work and serve as a Baptist missionary. Highlighting Eileen’s career included work in a Rhodesian bush clinic and supervising a Leprosy rehabilitation ward in India. Travelling for work and missions throughout Africa, India, Indonesia, as well as domestically in Newfoundland, it was Indonesia that Eileen loved the most.

Her ministry was serving the Lord. As a Baptist missionary, Eileen’s theological training from Toronto grounded her in this life of service which meant well into retirement she loved to teach Bible studies and share Christ’s message. For her early professional years, this meant in countries where medical assistance and services were often provided through non-profit Christian organizations and churches, as well as teaching Sunday School to the local children. Eileen lived a humble existence yet used her education and skills to better people everywhere. Eileen learned several languages including Kaonde, Javanese, and was an avid student of Latin and Greek.

She was regimented in her personal routines, loved to tend to her vegetable garden, was a voracious reader, played a mean game of scrabble (few could win when playing with her), was a life-long letter writer to keep in touch, preferred to walk everywhere over driving, and longed for the simpler days of Lawrence Welk music on the television! In her later years, a cozy evening after dinner with a book and her cat on her lap, suited her perfectly.

Travelling globally was a hallmark of Eileen as her insatiable appetite to learn and serve was recognized by all who knew her. She was proud of her British ancestry and even had high tea with Queen Elizabeth II. When Eileen met indigenous people in her world travels, she immersed herself in their culture. It was the hot climates that she loved and gravitated towards. Back in Canada, if family members suddenly realised the house was hot, it was because the thermostat crept upwards when Eileen was present.

Home was always Strathroy however she made her life wherever work and missions took her and this not only included Africa, India, and Indonesia, but also Stratford, Baie Verte Newfoundland, and Leamington. Eileen was a member of the First Baptist Church, Strathroy. For many decades, her service to the Lord was supported by First Baptist Church and recognized by the church by naming the children’s education group after her, The Eileen Greenwood Mission Band.

The Greenwood family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at Craigweil Gardens in Ailsa Craig, Ontario for their loving and compassionate care of Eileen during her stay with them. Their kindness is appreciated.

“O love of God, our shield and stay, through all the perils of our way! Eternal love, in you we rest, forever safe, forever blest. We will exalt you God and King, and we will ever praise your name; we will extol you every day, and evermore your praise proclaim.” Horatius Bonar, 1858

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

Memorial details will be announced at a later date.