Eileen M Stereff

Traverse City – Our loving mother Eileen M. Stereff, 85, of Traverse City and Lake Leelanau passed away May 2, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. Eileen was born on February 4, 1929 in Toledo, OH to the late Stanley F. and Wilma (Spotts) Schmitz. On June 21, 1947 Eileen married the late James A. Stereff in Monroe, MI. All throughout her life Eileen was an excellent role model for her children and grandchildren. Eileen had a strong Catholic faith and said the rosary daily. She was a Eucharistic Minister at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie, MI. While at St. Joseph she served as a dedicated Alter Society President. She also represented the Altar Society from the parish to the National Council of Catholic Women. She was given the Mother of the Year Award at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Erie. She enjoyed traveling many parts of the world. She went on many religious pilgrimages to Rome, Italy, Fatima and Lourdes. She enjoyed her religious retreats, especially to Mount Angel Abbey in Benedict, OR. She became an Oblate at Mount Angel Abbey. She won a State Award of Merit for her outstanding service in 1996 from the Catholic Daughters of America. Throughout her life she made many beautiful quilts for her family and friends. She was also talented in knitting and crocheting. Eileen was a kind woman and touched many lives in a very special way. Her listening skills were superior to most. Typically she would greet a person with a warm smile and something pleasant to say. Her beautiful smile and tender heart will be missed all who knew her. Eileen is survived by her sister Barbara (Richard) Schaddeau, children, Cheryl (Dennis Marchese) Stereff, James (Mary Ann) Stereff, John (Mari) Stereff, Christopher (Virginia) Stereff, and Ann (Peter) Zenz, many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and many other loving family members and friends. Eileen was preceded in death by her husband James of 63 years in 2010, her son Darryl, her brother Richard, and her parents. A visitation for friends and family will be held at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Tuesday, May, 6, 2014 from 2-4 and 6-8pm with a rosary held at 7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 7, at 11am with a visitation beginning at 10am at St. Francis Catholic Church. The Rev. Fr. Kenneth Stachnik will officiate. Burial will take place at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Fr. Fred Foundation. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to sign Eileen's online guestbook and share your condolences with the family. The family is being served by Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Eileen M Stereff

February 4, 1929 - May 2, 2014