Colleen E. Eickelman
April 28, 1941 – October 17, 2019
Preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude and Patrick Heenan; daughter, Kelli Schleisman; son-in-law, Gregory Schleisman; granddaughter, Erin Schleisman and grand-dog, Captain Walker.
Survived by children: Scott Eickelman and Molly Carroll (Travis); grandchildren: Willow and Lincoln Carroll, Thomas, James and Megan Schleisman.
The family will receive friends Friday, October 25th from 5pm-7pm with a WAKE SERVICE at 7pm at West Center Chapel. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Saturday, October 26th at 10am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3122 S 74th St. Private interment.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
Colleen, Mom, Ma, Grandma, Mother, Mrs. E., or “Terrie” as her Mercy High School crew would call her, was an amazing, intelligent, boisterous, and generous lady. She always had open arms, open doors, and an open pantry. She was the one to go to for advice. She loved to cook for family and friends even if she complained, with a smile and a twinkle in her eye, about how much work it was. She would always answer the phone no matter what time it was because whatever the person on the other end needed, she was willing to give. Quick with a witty response, solid in her beliefs, and speedy with solving immediate problems, she will be missed.
Mom was a core teacher at McMillan Jr High School and made many friends through OPS. She was one of the first recipients of the Buffet Award for excellence in teaching in 1989 and was very proud of the legacy she created in her field. Teaching in an inner-city school was not easy but she always took challenges in stride and made sure she was there for her students. She also participated in History Day, travelling several times to Washington DC with students and teachers, with her teams winning several awards over the years. Teaching was a calling for her, and she answered that call selflessly.
Mom always made time to travel every year and loved planning trips with family and friends. Whether it was a trip to Hawaii with her mother and youngest daughter, or a trip to San Antonio with teacher friends, or a trip to Mt. St. Helens with her grandchildren, she planned them all and executed each itinerary to perfection. She created many memories for so many and we are blessed to have those memories forever.
She lived to see her children’s children and was rich in blessings! Rest in Peace Mums. We love you.
2 Comments
Peace and strength to Scott, Molly and all who knew and loved Mrs. E in their time of grief and loss.
So very sorry to hear of her passing. Mrs. Eickelman was a mentor, a teacher, a coach, and a model of energetic love for the nurturing of young adults. Always direct, I knew precisely when I had messed up and exactly when I was succeeding with her. My History Day coach, my confirmation sponsor, my core teacher. She was a big part of the growth into adulthood of so many of us. Rest In Peace.
Sign Guestbook