Mary "Eileen" Gondek, age 93, formerly of Ann Arbor, and Chelsea, MI, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2024, at the Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI, surrounded by her family.
Eileen was born on January 21, 1931, in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Oliver and Lillian (Moynihan) Westfall. She graduated from St. Thomas High School in Ann Arbor, Class of 1948. She had a dedicated career with the State of Michigan, serving for 25 years as Secretary to the Warden, Corrections Camp Program, Department of Corrections.
Devoted to her faith and community, Eileen was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and generously volunteered her time at the St. Louis Center. She enjoyed baking and would make her famous lemon meringue and banana cream pies for the St. Mary Fish Fry Dinners.
Eileen found joy in various pastimes, including bridge, bowling, and golf. She was also an avid reader and skilled seamstress. Above all, Eileen cherished her role as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Eileen is survived by four children: Terri (Jaye) Saarinen of Cape Coral, FL, Gail (Jim DuBois) Tomaka of Jackson, Leslie (Larry) Herter of Ann Arbor, and Tom (Marcie) Gilbreath of Chelsea; her step-children: Doug Gondek of Ann Arbor, Rose (Mike) Hayden of Jacksonville, FL, and Kathy Timmons of Metro Detroit; as well as nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, M. Edward Gilbreath in 1969, her second husband, Gerald R. Gondek in 2003, and a step-daughter, Linda Doughtery.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, 1:00 p.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Following the service, Eileen will be laid to rest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 12-1 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Music Boosters, the St. Louis Center, or St. Mary Catholic Church. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
