Eileen Kay Barette, 67, of Portage, Michigan, passed away in the early morning hours on July 12th, 2021, in her home.
Eileen was born on September 6th, 1953, to Richard Ray Crawford and Mary Ellen Koontz in Kalamazoo, Michigan. After attending Kalamazoo Central High School, she went on to serve in the Army, where she showed that she was tough as nails and earned many letters of appreciation from her superiors.
While stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, she also earned the appreciation of fellow soldier Alvin James Barette. At the end of her enlistment, Eileen moved from the beauty and grandeur of California back to... Michigan, for reasons no one can understand. Later after his enlistment ended, with enough money for a train ticket and two sandwiches packed for a five-day trip, Al also left sunny California behind to pursue the love of his life. Eileen and Al were wed on April 12th, 1980, at his parent's house in Mahopac, New York, and they would be together in love until her last breath on this earth.
Eileen went on to earn an Associate Degree in Business from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and began a career as an office professional.
Eileen and Al left Michigan with their two daughters to build a life in scenic New York. After many years living and working in Westchester County surrounded by mountains and the beauty of the state's rolling hills and historically significant landmarks, they were somehow compelled to move back to ...Michigan where Eileen worked for Edward Rose and Sons, in Portage, until she retired.
Throughout her life, Eileen knew what was important. She took great joy in spending time with her daughters, nieces, nephews, and five grandchildren, on holidays with family, and at parties with friends. She was an example of strength and generosity, and she made great brownies.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents Richard Ray Crawford and Mary Ellen Koontz, her brother Thomas Crawford and her sister Katheleen (Richard) Wilson.
Eileen is survived by her husband Alvin, her daughter Annette (Mike) Thompson, daughter Janice (Larry) Rich; her nephew Aaron (Laura) Wilson; grandchildren Connor and Owen Thompson and Larry, Simone and Marisa Rich; great-nephew Jaxen Wilson, and her sister Shirley (Joe) Jackson.
Friends may meet the family from 11:00 am-12:00 pm on Saturday, July 17 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 411 E. Centre, Portage, MI 49002 where funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery in Texas Township. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Eileen's name.
Please visit Eileen's personalized web page to sign her online guest book and leave a condolence or message for her family at:
https://www.langelands.com
Saturday, July 17, 2021
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, Portage Chapel
Saturday, July 17, 2021
Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, Portage Chapel
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