Obituary of Eileen Mary Craven
Eileen Mary (Nagel/Neckel) Craven passed into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 28, 2018. She was born to August and Viola (Emerson) Nagel/Neckel on May 9, 1921. Eileen married John E. Craven on November 24, 1939 in Monroe, Michigan. Sadly, he passed away on August 4, 1971. She was also predeceased by her parents, two sisters: Jeanette Jacobs and Violet Jonas; seven brothers: Donald, Vernon, Eldon, and four infant brothers who died at birth. Eileen is survived by two children: Judith (Louis) Primpas and John (Gail) Craven; one grandchild: Dr. Adrienne (Samuel) Bell; and three great grandchildren: Lucas, Stavros, and Vivienne Bell.
Eileen graduated from Monroe High School in 1939. She earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Elementary Education, a Masters’ Degree in Principalship, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Supervision and Administration, all from Eastern Michigan University. She also completed additional studies at the University of Toledo.
Eileen was a life member of St. Michael’s Church in Monroe, National Education Association, Michigan Education Association, Monroe Education Association, and Ida Education Association. She was a life member of Monroe Thrift Shop (volunteering 50 years), Hospital Guild since 1972, Sawyer Homestead, VFW Auxiliary, and Monroe County Historical Society. Eileen was a former officer of South Monroe Townsite (S.M.T.) Association and an S.M.T. Park Summer Director. She taught at S.M.T. School, Manor School, and was Principal of Golden School.
Eileen’s final reflections: Perseverance - that thing that makes you stick with a job until it’s done. It is your own built-in task master. In an abrasive world which seems to have lost the human touch, caring appears to be the rarest of commodities. Every child has the right to be wanted and educated. Persistence is a healthy stubbornness that will develop into perseverance, and the reward is accomplishments. Can your child attain this quality? Of course! The means to this end is through a little stick-to-itiveness…continued effort. After a while, this effort will turn to a habit, a good habit that will benefit any endeavor: music, school work, almost anything you can think of.
Eileen was devout to her Catholic faith. She was an avid reader and china painter. Eileen was a woman of great integrity and had a strong work ethic. She had an impenetrable code of honor and integrity. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Eileen will lie in state from 9:00am until 10:00am on Friday, January 4, 2019 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 502 West Front Street. Mass will follow at 10:00am with Father Philip Ching officiating. Private entombment will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery. Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070 has been entrusted with her arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Eileen M. Craven Scholarship Fund at St. Mary Catholic Central High School. The family sincerely thanks the entire staff at ProMedica Hospice and LaPrad Home Care.