Eileen W. Belter was born on March 3, 1925 in Galva, Ill. She died in her Langley Brookhaven apartment on Sunday, May 15, 2011.

Throughout her 86 years, Eileen was known by all who knew her as sweet, loving and kind.

Eileen grew up in Illinois and moved to Chicago with her mother, Vera around age 9.

She met the love of her life, Raymond Belter, at the Paradise Ballroom in 1941, and they were married June 10, 1942. Raymond and Eileen had three children; Dennis, Glenn and Charlene.

Raymond died on July 27, 1975. In her final weeks, Eileen would greet her beloved with “I’ll see you soon” as she passed by their wedding photo in her room. There is no doubt that they are together once again.

Eileen had many jobs during her career in Chicago, from mail opener to sales clerk to manager. She often spoke of how her work was not her life, but that all jobs can be done with kindness. Her life’s purpose was to be a wonderful mother and grandmother. She successfully completed her purpose and is described by her family as the best mother in the world and the greatest grandma ever.

Eileen lived in Chicago and Grand Rapids, Mich. before heading out to Whidbey Island in 1998 to help care for her grandson Evan Suzuki, which she did for almost 12 years.

Eileen has been a member of both the Methodist and Lutheran churches in the past. She practiced the true love and kindness of Christ that is above the structure of any denomination. She lived her spiritual beliefs on a daily basis, and this love was felt by all who had the good fortune to meet her and get to know her.

Eileen enjoyed a simple but full life enjoying her own company and the company of family and friends. In the past she enjoyed traveling, especially to Mackinac Island, Mich. and Cannon Beach, Ore.

She was an avid reader of romance novels and enjoyed watching movies and her favorite television programs, game shows and “Dancing with the Stars.” She loved to play games with her family and with her friends at Brookhaven. She was highly competitive and known by her Sunday games group as the “boss.”

Eileen loved the color purple and enjoyed the scent of fresh lilacs. She enjoyed country music, musicals and songs from the Big Band Era. Eileen looked forward to the simple things in life, playing with Evan, taking rides to Ebey’s Landing, phone calls from her children and letters and photos from the grandchildren. She enjoyed the laughter and celebration of Belter gatherings, especially at Christmas, her favorite holiday.

Friends were an important part of Eileen’s life. She leaves behind her best friend, Lorraine Piriczky of Chicago, and a friendship of more than 50 years. She enjoyed the company of her Brookhaven neighbors and friends who came for meals and playing games. She spoke with great love of her dear friend, Edith Goetz, who over the past year has been an angel in Eileen’s life. She provided transportation to medical appointments, rides for shopping and fun, a supportive listening ear that only a friend can give and a regular 10 a.m. phone call.

Eileen thought of others before herself and did what she could to help those in need.

She was an angel here on earth and blessed us all with her smile and her love.

Eileen leaves behind many beloved family members: her son, Dennis Belter and his wife, Joyce Belter of Ohio; her son, Glenn Belter and his wife Vickie Belter of Illinois; and her daughter, Charlene Ray of Langley; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, grandson Jeffrey Belter and Danielle Simiele, and their children Olivia Simiele, Hanna Simiele plus one due to arrive in August; grandson Mark Belter and Jenette Hardman and their children Cole Belter and Caden Belter; granddaughter Melinda and Mark White and their children Allison White, Bre-Anne White and Luke White; granddaughter Jenny Belter; grandson Greg and Catherine Belter and their child Gabriel Belter; and grandson Evan Suzuki.

A memorial service will be held in July, when family will come to Whidbey Island. Please contact Charlene Ray at 341-1923 for further information.

Thank you to Hospice of the Northwest for making the last few days a process filled with dignity, support and great care. Thank you for all the love, prayers and support from friends and the community.

Eileen lived a beautiful life of love, kindness and gratitude, and she would encourage you to do the same.