M. Eileen Lewis

Eileen Lewis, 98 passed away on March 2, 2024

M. Eileen was born December 18, 1925 in Shellbrook, Saskatchewan, Canada. Her arrival brought increased love to her family, as her mother described it as the happiest Christmas of her life. She joined a family of eight siblings, with one more brother to come a little later.

Growing up, Eileen's parents instilled many important values in her that shaped her character. Her mother taught her to be compassionate, outgoing and the importance of serving others, while her father emphasized determination, hard work and perseverance. These lessons became the foundation of her life and were passed down to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren.

On May 21, 1950 Eileen joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and later moved to Provo, UT to attend Brigham Young University. During her first weekend away at college, she visited Lava Hot Springs, Idaho where she met Leland Leon Lewis.

Eileen and Leon were united in marriage on October 4, 1951 in Vancouver, British Columbia and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 9, 1964. Their union lasted for an extraordinary 73 years.

Eileen was a devoted mother, wife and grandmother. She was a hard worker and abundantly full of life. She was committed to her faith as a devoted Latter-Day Saint, serving three full-time senior missions and dedicating herself to family history and temple work. She cherished spending time with her family, learning and sharing the gospel, never turning down an invitation for adventure. She was an accomplished seamstress, beauty school graduate, engine mechanic at a Canadian gas station and never shied away from learning any useful skill – from baking bread to building barns.

Eileen is survived by her husband Leon, her children Barry and Cindy, Richard and Debra, Loren and Carolyn, Kary and Marilyn, Lori and Kadeen and Paul, 47 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and many other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents Orben Sims and Almina Christianson and sisters: Rozella, Laverna, Thelma, Leslie and Lorna and brothers: Albert, Lawrence, Earl and Clayton.

On March 2, 2024 while we were wishing for just one more moment with her, others were joyfully welcoming her home knowing they now had her for eternity. Her life was valiant, exemplary and the legacy she left will always be a permanent part of her family. We take comfort knowing she is not far away and will one day welcome us back home.

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