Eileen (Homad) Cresswell

Eileen Cresswell passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, Nov. 21, with family members at her side. She was born on Oct. 3, 1938, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to William Homad and Agnes (Kerns) Homad.

After the death of her father in her early childhood, Eileen, her mother Agnes and her older brother Everett moved several times. They lived in Valley Ford, Wash.; Post Falls, Idaho; Thornton, Wash.; and Marshall, Wash., eventually settling in Spokane. Eileen graduated from West Valley High School, where she was active in band and was student-body secretary.

She attended Eastern Washington College of Education in Cheney for three years, majoring in business education. To help fund her college education, she worked during the summer at a local drug store and at Carnation Milk Company.

In her first year of college, she went on a blind date with fellow student Douglas Cresswell, who became the love of her life. They married in 1959 in Spokane and were together for 62 years before her death. They raised three children. The family moved from Pasco, Wash., and have lived in Coeur d'Alene since 1970.

Eileen’s family was her pride and joy, and she was primarily a homemaker. At various times she worked outside the home as well, at the JC Penney department store in downtown Coeur d'Alene and as a bookkeeper. She also served as a teacher’s aide for the Coeur d'Alene School District.

Since 1966, Doug and Eileen have owned a retreat at Priest Lake that they enjoy sharing with family members and friends. Eileen’s favorite lake activities were canoeing, swimming, cooking, enjoying meals together, hiking, playing cards and just visiting in the sunshine on their private dock. She taught many kids how to water-ski, enduring the cold water of the mountain lake as she helped them learn how to get up on their skis. She could also be found listening to a Seattle Mariners game on the radio, as she was a devoted fan even during their losing years.

Eileen had a heart for service. When her children were young she was a 4-H leader. She was active in a service organization called Diakonia for many years, volunteered with Youth for Christ, and was on the board of directors of the nonprofit Coeur d'Alene Homes. She was a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church and was active in quilting programs and providing food for ecumenical dinners.

She was also active in the local Parkinson’s Support Group, Inc., as a founding member of the board of directors and as treasurer. She considered herself lucky to have done so well with her Parkinson’s disease for more than 16 years, and she found purpose in encouraging and supporting others with the disease.

A love of music has been passed down through the generations. When Eileen was growing up, music was at the center of the Kerns family’s get-togethers — her aunts playing the piano and everyone singing and dancing. She sang in Sweet Adelines, her church choir and the women’s group called the Coeur D’Aleers. She and Doug enjoyed dancing, and when the grandkids came along she could be seen dancing with them in the living room. Music brought her joy!

The quote “Grandchildren complete life’s circle of love” was true for Eileen. She enjoyed each of her six grandchildren ranging in age from 32 to 7. Time spent with them was treasured, and she was proud of their accomplishments.

Eileen was preceded in death by her father William Homad; her mother Agnes Homad; and her brother Everett Homad. She is survived by her husband Doug Cresswell; daughter Raeann Ducar (Ed); sons Roger Cresswell (Nancy) and Randall Cresswell (Anne); and grandchildren Kevin Ducar, Teale Cresswell, Scott Ducar, Paige Cresswell, Gavin Cresswell and Ethan Cresswell. She will be missed by her entire extended family, whose lives will not be the same without her.

The family would like to thank First Light Home Care, Kindred at Home/Hospice, Christ the King Lutheran Church and Yates Funeral Home for their assistance during the final days of Eileen Cresswell’s extraordinary life.

In Lieu of flowers, consider a donation to one of these organizations: The Coeur d'Alene Parkinson’s Support Group, Inc., 6931 W. Riverview Drive, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (a 501(c)(3) organization); or Christ the King Love Pantry, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 11, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., in Coeur d'Alene. Face masks are recommended. Live stream link to the service: https://vimeo.com/651767383/9db00519d7

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Eileen’s online memorial at yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign her guest book.