Eileen Doris Kippen Eulogy Eileen was born on 11th September 1924 at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, she was Daughter to Fred and Catherine Blake and has a younger sister Iris. Eileen grew up in Greenford and went to her local Grammar School. She was the studious type and did very well in her Matrix Exams – leaving her sister Iris to compete in the sports She went on to become a Secretary working in Westminster and then when war broke out joined up. Enlisted in the Wrens and worked on breaking the Enigma Code at Stanmore with her best and lifelong friend June. Because of the official secrets act, they were sworn to secrecy and it wasn’t until the late 50’s early 60’s when it was revealed what the two young Wren’s actually did to help the War Effort. Eileen and June went on holiday together to Newquay where they met two dashing young men. Eileen danced the night away with (pause) Ron whilst her friend June, dance with Doug. They both admitted to being rather impressed by the flashy sports car and got the impression that Doug and Ron were rather wealthy, not so. The car wasn’t theirs, it was borrowed. After returning to London, With Ron’s agreement, Doug tracked Eileen down on the pretense of a lost wallet, whilst Ron pursued June, not difficult as they were best friends. They courted then married in 1950, soon after June and Ron had wed. And spent 63 very happily married years together. They had 3 children. Stephen and Geoffrey were born whilst living in the caravan they purchase on Box Hill Those days were hard as the caravan site was nearly always extremely muddy during the winter, but great in the summer with parents and their children playing communal cricket on the central green. Eileen played very deep wicket so she could tend to Geoff and make tea and sandwiches – her preferred choice. It was not easy to cope with two small children in a small space when baby (Geoff) screamed all night and then had the cheek to sleep all day. Which was when toddler (Steve) wanted to play. Doug worked long hours so it was Eileen who had to cope with the 2 boys. They went on family holidays and Eileen always remembered taking her mum, Nanna, and Doug’s mum Nan with them in the Bedford van. Nan and Nanna laughing and giggling for the length of the journey as they both sat in deck chairs in the back of the van. Health and Safety, no problem. Eileen became great friends with Pi on the caravan site. But Pi’s son Maurice, a 3 year old red haired “devil” had to be fenced in, around Pi’s caravan. It was Eileen who raised the alarm when Maurice got out on the many occasions, warning neighbors to take their children inside whilst Eileen chased Maurice around the camp site to catch him and take him home to her grateful, but distort friend Pi. Eileen always claimed it was Maurice’s International Rugby career and a Grand Slam Winner was down to his body swerves avoiding capture from Eileen. Eileen supported Doug in every way so he could grow the business. Undertaking the book keeping and accounts in the early days. She was definitely the wind beneath his wings After 5 or so years of a happy, but challenging time there they moved to Old Coulsdon to a brand new bungalow aptly christened Duleen, combination of names Doug and Eileen. When the time came Eileen wanted Alison to be born, at home. Her boys were dispensed to neighbours and after a long labour and birth her 2 boys were brought back home to see their brand new baby sister. They looked at their mum and baby sister and said (pause) Can we go outside and play now. Eileen could only laugh. Now with a garden Doug could form large flower beds for Eileen to do her thing. Planting, digging, trying out new ideas. We are fairly sure one of the herbs she cultivated had relaxation qualities when added to the cake mixture. Something we may have been introduced to when eating her birthday cake at the care home recently. (Family joke) From Old Coulsdon the local supermarket was a 30 minute walk up and down hill, a 40 minute bus ride to Sainsbury’s every Friday to ensure fresh vegetables and freshly cut flowers for the weekend. An easier means of transport was needed. Eileen learnt to drive when the children were young and so they got a second car, which was quite unusual in those days to be a two car family, Apparently you will all know of Eileen’s “concentration” tongue which became most noticeable when she was Driving. Every driving maneuver was incomplete without the flourish of a bit of tongue. DNA testing is not required when something so cherished can be passed onto great-grandchildren (pause) and grandchildren. Eileen did voluntary help at the nursery school whilst in Old Coulsdon and became “Brown Owl” at the local Brownies group. After about 11 years at Old Coulsdon, they moved to Kenley, to another new house purchased “off plans” can you believe, in a road named Cumberlands and that is what the house is known as by the family, even though Duleen came with the move. From there Eileen and Doug helped their 3 children through further education, apprenticeships and training and proudly saw them find employment, buy their own houses and start their own families. They needed the basic family grounding Eileen taught them, to achieve this. But she may have regretted not teaching them to how to cook. A booming family business needed the help of the 3 children so one by one they joined their father in the family business, which gave Doug time to take Eileen on many holidays, to many places. They went to Disney, Orlando, Florida a few times sometimes taking family in tow I think their favorite was St Tropez where they bought a holiday caravan and went there often. Sometimes they invited relatives to go with them. We know Iris and her husband Bob, went a few times. They didn’t tell much about the holiday other than lots of sun, sandy beaches, only need a towel and naturalists. Unfortunately some families have tragic times and that happened to Eileen and Doug in 2001 when they sadly they lost Geoff. Their hearts went out to Gill and the children and tragic loss for the whole Family, but Eileen coped remarkable well with their loss and she and Doug always talked about Geoff, as we are now, so he will continue to be remembered. The time came for the necessary move to Arundel to meet new friends and enable Eileen to have a good long chat. She often told her new friends and neighbours about her family which was increasing in numbers by the minute. We are unable to guarantee she gave the correct name for the family member she was talking about, but hey, it’s a big family. Life goes on and fortunately goods times are had as well with the recent births or Eileen’s grandson’s and the engagement of Clare and Beau. Eileen’s much loved family continues to grow. Eileen is Grandmother to Sarah, Caroline, Guy, Philippa, Helen, Paul, Clare and Adam. And Great Grandmother to Megan, Matilda, Isla, Jessica, Mawson and latest arrival Rupert. She loved each and everyone of them equally. She has been a wonderful Daughter, Wife, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Auntie.