Eileen Emma Garrett

On March 12, 2022, Eileen Emma (Evans) Garrett was reunited in heaven with her dance partner Del (Delbert). With an unfailing spirit, compassion and grace, she held her family close by her side and in her heart. She was embraced by the love and care of her daughters at her home in Wixom, MI.

Eileen’s story began on July 15, 1924, in Salt Lick, KY, daughter of the late John and Dora (Padgett) Evans, the fourth of four children. She was a 1942 graduate of Westville High School, La Porte, IN.

Eileen and Del met at Singer Sewing Machine Co. in South Bend, IN and were married June 23,1951. They were blessed to have been united for 59 years. Throughout the years, their passion for music and dance was central to all gatherings and events with family and friends. To witness them glide across the dance floor was poetry in motion—unstoppable when a song from the Big Band era or polka was played. Eileen and Del spent their retirement years as "snow birds" in Florida. They enjoyed time with friends on the shuffle board courts, and performed skits and swing dance routines in the annual talent shows. Eileen mastered the art of basket weaving and eagerly joined the line dancing team. Formerly residents on Pyle Ave., South Bend, they lived the final years of their marriage at Southfield Village. Eileen’s selfless and caring nature comforted and cared for Del until he was called Home.

As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Eileen’s faith, love of family, devotion to friends and compassionate nature, established a strong foundation upon which the lives of her family have been built. She lovingly nurtured and raised two daughters: Cheryl (Ray) Wasmer, Tucson, AZ and Jodi Garrett, Wixom, MI. Known as Great Gma (Queen Mother) to her precious great-granddaughter Lyric, she devoted her life to her family including her beloved grandson Cameron Wasmer and wife Heather (Bryce) Wasmer, Tucson, AZ. Eileen leaves countless memories for them as well as her sister Nina (Evans) Vairo, Tucson, AZ, sister-in-law, Bonnie (Garrett) Harris, Niles, MI, and many adored nieces and nephews. She also “adopted” many of her daughters’ close friends as her extended family. Preceding her in death were her brothers Rollie and Orville Evans, La Porte, IN.

She approached each day with a spirit of positivity. Her bright smile and laughter filled every corner of the room, despite any physical challenge or circumstance. She was an encourager, comforter and role model to her family and many friends.

Eileen had an artistic flare and passion for making jewelry—pins and necklaces. She recrafted vintage jewelry pieces to create her own unique designs (Eileen’s Recreations), selling many to admiring customers at numerous craft shows. An avid believer in daily exercise, she was determined to stay as fit as possible, for as long as possible. She credited her get-up-and-go energy to the many parades she and Del marched alongside as they watched their young daughters in the Royale Majestics. She held numerous jobs throughout her life including serving as an Avon representative for 16 years. In her late 60’s and 70’s she entered the workforce as an employee of Brown’s Sporting Goods, Bath & Body Works, and Kohl’s.

Her mottos were to “always be yourself” and “to be kind and to love one another”—her life exemplified these virtues. Open to new ideas and learning opportunities, Eileen never hesitated to use her iPhone in her 90’s to communicate with her family, accompanying each message with colorful emojis. With a striking fashion style, she always completed each outfit with her signature scarves. She loved a good cup of coffee, biscuits n’ gravy, and was infamous for her deviled eggs and macaroni salad which continue today as family holiday traditions.

In her 97 years, her life was truly an inspiration—one of faith, love, and optimism. She brightened the lives of many and will be deeply missed. Eileen’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the care team at Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi, MI, and Angela Hospice Home Care, Livonia, MI.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at noon on Saturday, June 11, at Evangel Heights United Methodist Church, 114 N. Ironwood Drive, South Bend, IN 46615. Family and friends may visit two hours prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Eileen E. Garrett’s honor may be made to the American Heart Association, heart.org or Evangel Heights United Methodist Church, eheights.org. Palmer Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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