Eileen R. Nyquist

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Nov. 23, 2020, after a short illness. Eileen was born April 1, 1922, and despite being an April Fool's baby, she maintained a valued sense of humor throughout her long life.

She was born and raised in the Sacramento Valley to Norwegian immigrant parents, John Herman Ellefseth and Synovve Strand. She was quite proud of her Norwegian heritage and made sure you knew it. She was a lifelong member of the Sons of Norway Lodge.

Eileen graduated from Sacramento High School and attended business college and worked for the Thomson Diggs Hardware store in Sacramento. She married Carl H. Nyquist in 1943, while he was in the Army Air Force. She was married to Carl for 51 years and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Coeur d'Alene with sons Richard and Robert.

Eileen's work career included many years as an elementary school secretary. One of the family jokes was that Mom was the senior Nyquist. She was two months older than Carl. On occasion, Eileen would remind the family that she was raising three sons; which included her husband and her two sons.

Besides love of family, Eileen had many interests. She loved to cook and her apple pie was the best ever. She loved her flower gardens and spent many hours tending to her plants. Eileen was also a crafter — always creating something, whether it be a bookmark for her companions at the senior center or knitting hot pads for kitchen use. There was always a project of something going on in her hands. Most of all, Eileen loved music and played the piano for many years. She played the piano for her companions at Brookdale Senior Living well into her 90s.

In 2001 Eileen moved to Coeur d'Alene to be near her son, Richard, grandsons and great-granddaughters. She was predeceased by husband Carl, and son Robert. She is survived by son Richard; grandsons Erik (Alida) and Keith; and great-granddaughters Ryann, Nora, Lena and Sylvi.

Since Eileen's life spanned almost a century she was constantly amazed at how technology had affected her world. From a young girl in the ‘20s and ‘30s with just a radio for entertainment, she has seen and experienced many things that we take for granted. One precious memory is her talking to one of her great-granddaughters via FaceTime on her son's cellphone. The look and expression on her face was priceless.

We are going to miss you Mimaw, but we know you are in a good place in the arms of our heavenly father. The family would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the staff at Hospice of North Idaho for their caring for Eileen.

Per Eileen's request there will be no services at this time. To see Eileen's online memorial and to leave a message for the family please visit www.englishfuneralchapel.com