Obituary of Eileen Joyce Pipino
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Eileen Joyce Pipino, age 78, of Bond Head, Ontario, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
Born on December 19, 1947, in Glasgow, Scotland, Eileen was the beloved only daughter of the late William and Margaret Annand. Although she made Canada her home, Eileen remained deeply proud of her Scottish heritage and cherished the lifelong connections she maintained with family and relatives in the United Kingdom.
Eileen is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 56 years, Joe Pipino; her daughters, Amanda (Len) and Julia (Calum); and her cherished granddaughter, Kaylynn, who brought immense joy to her life. Beloved sister-in-law to Anna (Ray) Schell and Sandra (Joe) Aloia, and cherished aunt to her two nephews and four nieces. Never one to pass up an opportunity for a cuddle or a walk, Eileen dearly loved her grand fur babies, Zez, Chief, Caber, Bengie, and Chase, who brought warmth, comfort, and countless smiles to her life.
Eileen and Joe first met at the age of 14 while living across the street from one another on Victory Drive in Downsview. After Eileen returned from spending a year with her cherished cousins living in London, England, their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love story. They married in 1970 and, following the birth of their first daughter in 1973, moved to the hamlet of Bond Head, where they made their home and built a life together for more than five decades.
A proud and active member of the Bond Head community, Eileen was involved in countless local events and initiatives from the very beginning. She was well known for her quick British wit and sense of humour, traits that remained with her until the very end. As her daughters grew up, Eileen became deeply involved in their lives and positively influenced many young people in the community. She served as a Brownie and Girl Guide leader, worked at the local Becker's store, drove the school bus for generations of Bond Head children, and later welcomed residents at the local post office.
Eileen eventually found her professional calling as an Assistant to the Board of Referees at the Unemployment Insurance Office in Richmond Hill, where she worked until retiring at the age of 62.
A true fighter, Eileen was a two-time breast cancer survivor. Following her retirement, she devoted more time to her family, friends, and the many activities she loved. She became actively involved in dragon boating with fellow breast cancer survivors through teams in Barrie and Toronto. She had a passion for hiking, birdwatching, traveling and exploring the outdoors, always eager to discover new places and experiences. Eileen encouraged her daughters to embrace every opportunity life presented and was always their greatest supporter, whether cheering them on from the sidelines or participating alongside them.
Throughout her life, Eileen built a strong circle of dear friends whom she treasured deeply. Her family extends heartfelt thanks to those friends for their love, kindness, and support over the past few months. Eileen also enjoyed the connections she made through the Bradford Probus Club and the Danube Seniors Leisure Centre, where her warm personality and friendly nature made lasting impressions.
Though she will be greatly missed, Eileen's humour, strength, compassion, and unwavering devotion to family and community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Eileen's final thoughts are reflected through the poem by Christina Georgina Rossetti, Let Me Go.
Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road,
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little, but not for long,
And not with your head bowed low,
Remember the love that once we shared,
Miss me, but let me go.
For this is a journey we all must make,
And each must go alone,
It’s all part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sad at heart,
Go to the friends we know,
Bury your sorrows in doing your deeds,
Miss me, but let me go.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, 115 Back St.. Bradford, Ontario
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bradford West Gwillimbury Seniors Association or the Royal Canadian Legion, Bradford Branch #521 in Eileen's memory.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the wonderful team at Margaret Bahen Hospice who took the best care of her at the very end.