Eileen Marie Beale, age 74, of Livonia, Michigan passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022. Eileen was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, colleague, and companion.
Eileen is preceded in death by her husband Jon Peter Beale, her parents James Francis Ward and Margaret Angela Ward (Lynch), brother James Terrence Ward, her sisters Mary Ellen Thames and Sheila Ward, brother-in-law Terrence Pendergast, niece Carolyn (Terry) Sumner, and nephew T.J. Sumner.
She is survived by her son Brian Christopher Beale, daughter Megan Carrie (Peter Walter) Roeske, grandson Jon Peter Roeske, granddaughters Caitlin Marie Roeske and Ella Rose Roeske, sisters Kathleen Pendergast and Margaret Ward, nephews Howard Davis (Katherine) Thames, Patrick Ward, James Ward, Michael Ward, nieces Daryl (Joseph) Hurlock, Alison Pendergast (Jeff) Albert, Margaret (John) Minter, Mary Ward and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Eileen had friends all over…she will be missed by many special friends including William Corcoran, Beth and John Borja, Lynda Lee, and Mary Abdo.
She lived her life with a strong will and character. She always supported her family and friends through the tough times with a smile, a hug, a whisper of love, resolve, humor, and strength and did whatever was needed or asked.
Eileen grew up in Falls Church, Virginia, a suburb of Washington, D.C. She graduated from Bishop Dennis J. O’Connell High School. She helped plan numerous reunions and will be missed by many cherished classmates and friends. She met Jon in Virginia and they were married in 1969. They moved to Livonia, Michigan, which became her treasured home.
She had a great intellect, a natural curiosity for technology, and a talent for business that called her to the workforce. She knew computers and their impact long before most. Her identity was not just tied to her family, but to her work. Her role and time with Madonna University and Lester Morales at Capital Communication were true sources of pride and accomplishment.
The great joy of her life was being a mother and grandmother. She especially enjoyed being a grandmother and the births of her three grandchildren were very special to her. The grandkids gave her a new perspective and energy.
All generations of her family enjoyed spending time at the “cottage” on Houghton Lake. She hosted many great times, vacations, holidays, and parties. She loved the lake where she enjoyed boat rides, jet-skiing, snowmobiles, barbeques, “heart attack” breakfasts, 4th of July fireworks on the water and so much more.
Eileen enjoyed traveling especially in Europe, and Hawaii. She went on many cherished trips to Broadway shows with her sisters and family. She also had wonderful adventures in Hollywood as a seat filler for the Oscars and Emmys.
Eileen adored animals. She was blessed with many companions, including Frankie. She always said her pets joined kitty heaven when they arrived in her home.
Her family would like to thank the wonderful, caring, and compassionate team at Angela Hospice who made her last days comfortable and peaceful.
Charity and her community were very important. She willingly gave her time and efforts to help raise funds for Angela Hospice, Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Her greatest passion was for Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Her sister Mary Ellen was taken by breast cancer in 1994. Mary Ellen participated in the Race for the Cure in 1994. Sadly, she passed away a few months later and asked Eileen to keep the tradition alive. Eileen made sure to walk every year since her sister’s passing. She was very proud of her collection of their annual iconic “Walk for the Cure” tee shirts.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (https://www.komen.org/) in her name.
A visitation for Eileen will be held on Friday, May 13, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. A funeral in state will occur Saturday, May 14, 2022 at 9:00 AM at St Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty Rd, Plymouth, Michigan 48170, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 AM. The family will host a 1pm luncheon.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Beale family.
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