Eileen Marie Mowry

In loving memory of our sister, aunt, great aunt and friend: Eileen Marie Mowry, born December 4, 1942, passed away peacefully under hospice care on August 3, 2025, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, at the age of 82.

Born to Carl and Katholine (Barnebee) Mowry, Eileen was raised on a family farm in Battle Creek, Michigan, where she learned the values of hard work, teamwork, and care—both in the field and in the kitchen. These early experiences instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep love of animals. She graduated from Harper Creek High School, Class of 1961, and continued her education at Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University, always striving to learn and grow.

Eileen dedicated her career to banking, working in roles including teller, accounting, and collections, before retiring after 39 years of service from Eaton Credit Union, (which later became United Savers Credit union and then Advia Credit Union). Eileen was instrumental in starting the employee union at United Savers and proudly served as a union steward, quietly advocating for fairness, respect, and dignity in the workplace. She was a trusted, respected, and warmly regarded presence—known by her coworkers and members for her integrity, kindness, and the meaningful relationships she built. Many of her coworkers and members became more than clients, they became lifelong friends.

Above all, Eileen was a woman who lived for her family. One of the most selfless examples of her love was her decision to live with and care for her mother for over seven years, a time marked by devotion, grace, and shared closeness.

Eileen found deep peace and happiness living at the lake which she referred to as “her special place”, a dream fulfilled. She loved hosting family and friends, her table always beautifully set, her home warm and inviting, her laughter echoing across the water. Eileen especially enjoyed floating in the lake on her pool noodle with her sister Diane. She was an adventurous spirit who traveled across the United States and to Europe, took joy in cruises, and never missed a chance to make a memory.

She had a flair for style, always looking her best, and took pride in decorating her home, shopping for just the right touch, and cooking from the heart. Family favorites included her graham cracker cream pie, macaroni and cheese, and Texas sheet cake, all made with love.

Some of her fondest memories included going to the antique tractor crossing at the Mackinac Bridge and tractor shows to cheer on her brother Bob, gathering loved ones at the lake, and a joyful road trip to Washington, D.C. in the convertible with family. She also deeply loved music and dancing, filling many moments of her life with rhythm, laughter, and joy.

She shared a close and enduring bond with her siblings and relatives, and is survived by her brother, William Mowry; her sister, Diana (Fred) Peterson; and her stepdaughter, Janet (Clark) Grimes. She also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and

great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews (Eileen was lovingly known as “auntie” to her nieces and nephews)—a testament to the generations she nurtured with love, guidance, and steady presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Katholine (Barnebee) Mowry; her brother, Bob Mowry; her beloved sisters-in-law, Maxine (Beach) Mowry and Liz (Coffman) Mowry; her niece, Coriena (Peterson) Collet; her nephew, Alec Waltman; her stepson, Mark Clark; and many other special people she cherished throughout her life.

Eileen will be remembered for her steadfast devotion to family, her joy in life’s simple pleasures, her unwavering kindness, and the beauty she brought into every space she touched. She leaves us with fond memories—and remains forever in our hearts.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home in Battle Creek, Michigan.

A graveside service will take place on Thursday, August 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, Battle Creek.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of one’s choice, in honor of Eileen’s giving spirit and lifelong compassion.