Eileen was born on March 25th, 1918 in Elma, Iowa, the first of seven children born to her parents Joseph and Kathryn Showalter. Her father was a farmer near Elma, but during the depression era he stopped farming and moved into town. She attended Immaculate Conception grade and high school in Elma, and after graduation in 1935 she received her teaching certificate from Iowa State Teachers College. She taught in elementary schools in the Riceville and Elma area, and later as a substitute in the Waterloo Schools for several years.

Eileen met her husband George, when she worked part-time in his sister’s beauty shop in Elma. They were married on April 15, 1939, and lived on George’s family farm until 1951, when they decided to leave the farm life and move to Waterloo. Eileen and George enjoyed 43 years of marriage before his death in 1982. They had 7 children: Merrill (Carol), John (Sheri), Kay (Tom), Dan (Julie), Donna (Tom), Mike, and Joe (Diane), 17 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

She greatly enjoyed her children and grandchildren, and often traveled to see them in whatever state they lived, whenever an opportunity was available, e.g. baptisms, graduations, weddings, etc. She liked being a grandmother, and liked to spoil her grandchildren whenever she was with them. She was known within her family and close friends for her famous “cinnamon rolls” that she baked on special occasions. She had many creative interests focusing mostly on her artistic painting skills. Although she painted in watercolors, acrylics, and pastels, she always seemed most pleased with the results of her watercolor paintings. She liked board games, especially Scrabble, and if anyone suggested a game of cards she was ready to play. On occasion she was known to make a trip to the local casino, and if asked about it would often state she had won. She was a real winner to all of us.

Eileen is also survived by brother Everett (Marjorie) Showalter, brother Dale Showalter, and sister Madonna (Jerry) Fox.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, son John, sister Marcene Hughes, and two brothers Daniel and Robert Showalter.

Eileen will be missed by all who knew her. Her belief in God was strong and her faith in Jesus and the Catholic Church were foremost in her life. It was through her example of love and kindness that she passed these Christian values to her family, for which she will always be remembered. She appreciated the long life that God blessed her with.