Eileen Byrd

Eileen Marie Byrd, a beacon of warmth and generosity, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2024, in Cashmere, WA, at the remarkable age of 101. Born on January 25, 1923, in Seattle, WA, Eileen's long and fruitful journey through life was marked by an unwavering spirit of love and kindness that touched the hearts of everyone she encountered. With profound sadness yet immense gratitude for her life, Eileen's family announces her passing. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories among her five children, Myrna O’Neil, Dale Ellertson and his wife Dorothy, Linda Ryan and her husband Pat, Ron Ellertson and his wife Dale, and Grant Ellertson and his partner Jillene. Her adoration extended to her niece, Renee VanPuttin, her loving companion, Delbert Byrd, and her lineage of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-great-grandchild. Eileen's love also embraced her special friends Mary, Lacee, and Robin, who she held dear to her heart, as well as the countless friends who were fortunate enough to cross her path. Eileen's life was one of industrious dedication. For many years, she worked diligently in the orchards, a testament to her strong work ethic. Even into her 80s, she continued to work as a fruit sorter, taking pride in the fruits of her labor. Her home was more than just a dwelling; it was a sanctuary of hospitality where family, friends, and visitors alike were always greeted with open arms. Eileen's heart and home were open to all, and her kitchen was a place of comfort and joy, where the scent of freshly canned peaches and the warmth of her smile were ever-present. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren, in particular, hold a treasure trove of memories filled with the love and laughter that emanated from Gramma Byrd's special home. She was a woman whose presence was felt in the simple pleasures of life, from the joy of a shared meal to the playing of games such as rummy tile. Her influence was not limited to her family; Eileen's kindness rippled out into her community and coworkers, where she was known as a friend to many and a stranger to none. In her century of life, Eileen witnessed the world change in unimaginable ways, yet she remained a constant source of stability and affection for those around her. Her spirit, characterized by resilience and a boundless capacity for love, will continue to inspire those she has left behind. Eileen's journey through life was a testament to the enduring power of love and the strength of family bonds. Her story is not one of sorrow at its conclusion, but a celebration of the countless moments of joy and togetherness she created. As the matriarch of a family that spans six generations, Eileen's legacy is one of perpetual warmth, kindness and much love, which will flourish for generations to come. The family of Eileen Marie Byrd will hold her memory close to their hearts, finding solace in the knowledge that her spirit lives on through the love she shared so freely. As the sun sets on a life well-lived, we bid a fond farewell to a remarkable woman whose memory will forever be a guiding light to all who knew her.

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Eileen Byrd

January 25, 1923 - February 19, 2024