Eileen Heritz Beal

Eileen Emily Heritz Beal, 80, of St. Joseph, passed away suddenly on October 31, 2006, in Des Moines, Iowa. Eileen was born on April 19, 1926, in St. Joseph, to Carl and Julia (Rinas) Heritz. She was an original “Sand Rabbit”, proudly born and raised on Silver Beach. She graduated from St. Joseph High School and the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, in Benton Harbor, serving in the Cadet Nurse’s Program. She worked as a Registered Nurse for Dr. William J. Butler and Dr. R.C. Crowell, in St. Joseph, and University Hospital, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, before retiring to raise her family. On December 14, 1952, she was married to Dr. Gerald N. Beal at Trinity Lutheran Church, in St. Joseph, and celebrated a loving marriage with her beloved husband for over 53 years. She is survived by her husband Gerry, and children Julianne (Jon) Robinson of Jackson, Michigan, Steven (Deborah) Beal of San Rafael, California, Nancy (Alain) Bernigaud of Norman, Oklahoma, and Caroline (Russell) Szwabowski of St. Joseph. Grandchildren Katherine Robinson, Nora Robinson, Garrett Beal, Weston Beal, Nathalie Bernigaud, and step-grandchildren Benjamin, Sarah, and Sam Szwabowski. Brother-in-law Dr. James L. Beal of West Des Moines, Iowa. Nieces Ruth Stubalt, Ellen Briney, and Henrietta Bruce, and Nephews Henry Heritz and Walter Heritz, along with great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Elsie Burkhard, Ida Heritz, Lydia Heritz, Alma Heritz, and brother Henry Heritz. She was a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a member and past president of the Berrien County Medical Society Women’s Auxiliary and the Memorial Hospital Women’s Auxiliary. She volunteered for many years in the Emergency Room at Memorial Hospital and was involved in numerous organizations throughout the community including the Krasl Art Center, Monday Musical Club, and Valpo Guild. She served as a Girl Scout Leader and room mother at her children’s schools and was actively involved in all of her children’s varied and numerous activities. She was proud of her family and enjoyed traveling on many family vacations. She had a love for cooking, counted cross stitching, and entertaining with family and friends. She was fondly known as the “Cookie Lady”, which extended far beyond her grandchildren. She enjoyed sports and was an avid fan of Michigan Football and Indiana Basketball. She was a beautiful, loving, gracious lady, and a faithful friend to many with a warm heart and always a kind word. She enjoyed her full life and shared many fond memories, always surrounded by her loving family and numerous close friends. She will be sadly missed, but forever remembered and celebrated in our hearts. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:30A.M., Monday, November 6, 2006, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 609 Court St., St. Joseph, with Rev. Thomas Batsky officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation is from 2:00P.M. to 4:00P.M., and 6:00P.M. to 8:00P.M., Sunday, November 5, 2006, at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to send a condolence message online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice.