Eileene Barry McKee

Eileene Barry McKee, 94, died peacefully Thursday, June 11, 2015, surrounded by her family in Woodbury, Minn.
Eileene was born in Lakeview on Sept. 3,1920, the third of 12 children born to MPJ and Honora Barry.
While a student at Oregon State College she met and married William Myron McKee. They moved to Minnesota where they raised 13 children.
Eileene loved her Catholic faith, her Irish heritage and Western upbringing. She was active in politics and community affairs, ran a successful small business, worked as a substitute teacher and later, a domestic abuse court clerk.
She loved cooking, quilting, gardening and travel. She was a lifelong learner, an avid reader and a prolific writer. A creative storyteller, she authored and published a memoir, “NORA”, at the age of 89. Eileene was an independent extrovert; optimistic, unflappable, energetic and fun loving. She was compassionate with a special gift to engage and affirm others. A great source of pride was that all 13 children completed college and most earned advanced degrees. What a blessing to have had such a kind, nurturing and loving role model in our lives. We know she is resting in peace in Heaven. Mother, for all you shared with us, you will be forever in our hearts.
Preceded in death by her husband, William Myron; parents, MPJ and Honora Barry; siblings, Catherine Lemke, Philip Barry, Agnes Conklin, Julia Reifel, John Barry, Ellen Stoffel and granddaughter, Katie McKee.
Eileene is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Joyce, Barry and Mary, Myron, Patrick and Joan, Bill and Andrea, Thomas, Robert and Elizabeth; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary, Joan and Bill Fabian, Eileen and Dennis Philander, Teresa, Colleen Espinosa and Kathleen; 45 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.
Mass of the Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 8260 Hudson Blvd., Oakdale, Minn.
Remembrances may be in any form desired by friends. The family has designated the Annie E. McKee Trust for memorial contributions. Donations should be made payable; to the Annie E. McKee Trust c/o William L. McKee, trustee; 1621 Sioux Blvd. New Brighton, Minn. 55112 651-702-0301.