Obituary
Also known as Eileen Kirkland, Eileen Murphy, Anne Eileen Cowley,
Mom, Ma, Mama, Mummy, sister, Aunt Eileen, and to her devoted Bill as “Hey Irish”.
Eileen was born to Patrick Murphy, and Mary Murphy, née Cowley, in Windsor Ontario on September 4, 1930 and passed away January 18, 2024 in Daytona Beach Shores. She and her family later moved to Detroit where while working behind the soda fountain at Willis Drug Store, she met a young navy veteran named William Kirkland. They married in 1948 and went on to raise 10 children and celebrate almost 73 years of marriage residing in Detroit, Livonia, Westland, Fenton, and finally retiring to Port Orange, Florida. Despite her advanced years, Eileen continued to think and try to act as if she was still an 18 year old. She always wanted to know what was around that corner, over that hill, and what was behind that do not enter sign. She maintained her awareness and sense of humour until the very end and died peacefully with family at her bedside. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband William Kirkland, her brother Patrick Murphy, her sisters Maureen Humphries and Nancy Campbell, and her sons David Corby Kirkland ( Vicki), Edward Allen Kirkland, and son-in-law Barry Matta. She is survived by her children Robert ( Carol) Kirkland, Susan (Charles) Russell, Cindy ( Gary) Mooneyham, John (Sherry) Kirkland, Ken Kirkland, Andrew ( Wendy) Kirkland, Jerome Kirkland, Peggy Matta, 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She led a full, generous, prolific, and loving life. There will be a funeral service in June in Fenton Michigan. Those wishing to honour her memory might consider a donation in her name to The Family Renew Community at www.familyrenew.org
” So fill to me the parting glass
And drink a health whate’er befalls
Then gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all”
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