Eileen Kroeger

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents Leonard Kroeger and Virginia Kroeger Wanstrath (stepfather, late Robert Wanstrath.) 

She was the loving sister of Mary Jo (late Edward) Lameier, Len (Diana) Kroeger, Kathleen (late Matthew) Guilfoyle, Veronica (John) Dawson, Marie Kroeger, late Kenneth Kroeger, Mary Anne (Michael) Broe, late Robert (Julie) Wanstrath, Dennis (Elaine) Wanstrath, late Ellen (Dan) Wagner. She was the proud Aunt of many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. 

Eileen Marian Kroeger was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on December 13, 1953 with Downs Syndrome. Eileen is the fifth of 7 children (2 brothers and 4 sisters). Her youngest brother is deceased. She also has 2 brothers and 2 sisters in her extended family.
 
Eileen was born when mental disabilities were just being recognized. She graduated from Dyer School when she was 18 and worked in a small workshop similar to what is provided by Goodwill now. Her paycheck was the highlight of this opportunity.
 
Early in 1980 she moved to Florida with her mother and stepfather. Eileen worked in a plant nursery and a childcare nursery. She loved feeding and rocking the babies and changing the diapers.
 
After her mother’s death in 1986, Eileen returned to Cincinnati. She lived in an assisted living apartment. Several years later she acquired a roommate named Jane. Eileen lived with Jane till Eileen moved to Glendale Place.

Eileen had many jobs over the years. Her favorite was working at Thriftway which she had to leave due to her plantar fasciitis. She then worked at Goodwill and was one of the top producers.
 
Eileen participated in basketball, swimming, field and track, and bowling as well as skiing at Perfect North with the Special Olympics. She is a big Bengals and Reds fan. Eileen loved to play Sorry and Bingo, playing several cards when her sister took her. She was an excellent Gin Rummy player. Her first love was shopping buying clothes and things to decorate her apartment.
 
Eileen enjoyed spending the night with her sisters and was always calling to make plans especially if she had a day off. She frequently left phone messages ending with “If you need me, call me”.
 
Eileen never knew a stranger, when she was out with family members, people often stopped to say hi to Eileen. She would remember every one of them. Eileen seem to have made many new friends with staff and residents now that she is at Glendale Place.

Passed away Saturday, March 9, 2024. Age 70 years.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation on Wednesday, March 20th from 10:00 am until time of Mass at 11:00 am. All services will be held St. Teresa of Avila Church (1175 Overlook Ave.)

If desired, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Donate Here or the American Cancer Society Donate Here.