Eileen F. Grigalauski

Eileen F. Grigalauski passed away on December 18, 2024. She had an unsatiable appetite for life, family, friends, animals, games, flowers and chocolates (sweets, in general). All grand puppies were family, but she shared a very special bond with her grand puppy Patch who took good care of her during the pandemic.

She was born in Chicago on September 30, 1926, to Richard and Emily (Salter) Brett and quickly became known for her untamable, curly hair that matched her personality perfectly as it definitely had a mind of its own. Eileen’s father died when she was six months old. Her family moved to Capron, IL where she would spend the rest of her childhood being pampered and doted on by her beloved mother and four older siblings. Eileen loved being the baby of her family and loved even more that they all spoiled her. Throughout her life she paid that kindness forward and found so much joy in spoiling others with food and gifts.

Eileen graduated from Boone-McHenry Township High School on May 26, 1944, and eventually moved to Beloit, WI where she worked for Beloit Iron Works. Eileen loved to dance. She met her future husband Richard “Dick” Grigalauski on a blind date. They married on January 17, 1953, and made their family home Rockford. Together they had three daughters, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Family was truly everything to this proud English woman. Physically, Eileen was very petite, yet a true force to be reckoned with and oh, so stoic. What she lacked in stature (5’1” if that), she more than made up for in heart and toughness.

Eileen loved all of the holidays with family, but especially Christmas. She was still hosting Christmas Eve for her extended family well into her 80s, making sure everyone was well fed and had a gift under the tree. Holiday gatherings—as well as many other visits with Eileen—included games. Eileen was a fierce competitor. As much as she loved all of her grandchildren, she showed little mercy at the game table and chalked up her winning to pure luck (but we knew better). When life became more difficult, Eileen still always saw herself as “lucky.”

Her love of nature was evident. Eileen taught all of her grandchildren how to fish in her backyard pond and enjoyed paddle boating with them. She designed, planted and tended the beautiful circle of flowers that welcomed visitors to her family home. Eileen also used her creative talents to make elaborate cakes, holiday wreaths and ornaments.

Eileen always did what she could to make our world better. She had a heart for social justice and never took the privilege of voting for granted. She managed to cast her final ballot in the most recent presidential election, which was a source of pride.

The family would like to thank Debbie Metcalf, Dawn Evans and Marsha Bowman for making such a difference in Eileen’s life the past few years. We would also like to thank the wonderful nurses, CNAs and activities personnel at Kirk’s Place who made their job a ministry of love.

Eileen is lovingly survived by her three daughters Deborah (David) Kennedy, Karen (Steven) Huser and Denise (Jeff) Huff. Proud grandmother of Aaron Kennedy and Hannah (Erik) Hove; Travis (Caitie), Timothy and Trevor Huser (Aaron Bianchetta); and Joshua, Evan and Jarrett Huff. Proud great-grandmother of Zoey, Carter and Juniper Kennedy; Jaxon and Teagan Hove; and Landon, Lucas and Roman Huser; also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by parents, her husband, and her siblings Richard J. and William J. Brett, Emily “Jean” Cox, and Elizabeth “Betty” Nivinski.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service, 11:00 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61103. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or to SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals www.spcai.org. To send online condolences or share memories online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com