Williamston, Mich.: Norma Eilene (Wallace) Willoughby of Williamston, Mich., passed away on June 18, 2013, at the age of 79. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman Wallace Sr. and Cornelia (Greeno) Wallace; and brothers: Bruce, Keith, and Norman Jr. She was also preceded in death by her loving companion of many years, Don Gilbert. Eilene is survived by her brother, Ward Wallace, Chicago, Ill.; and children: Sara Coulter, Williamston, Mich.; Nora (Allen) Masopust, Royal Oak, Mich.; and Ian (Elizabeth) Willoughby, Hoover, Ala. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Jacqueline (Kendrick) Rosenthal, Roxanne Faulkner, Jason, Patrick, Bryan and Natalie Masopust, Katie and Caroline Willoughby; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved and cherished. Eilene was also loved and adored by her Sunrise family, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., who lovingly cared for her. Born on Nov. 29, 1933, and raised in Britton, S.D., she attended high school in Aberdeen, S.D., and began college at South Dakota State University. Eilene was a graduate of Northwestern University, where she received a bachelor's degree in music education. She received a master's degree in music from the University of Michigan and fulfilled her ultimate dream of receiving her doctorate of music education from Michigan State University. Eilene was also a member of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for women. Eilene taught vocal music for many years in the Jackson Public School District. She also gave private lessons in voice, piano, violin and viola, enthusing her numerous students with an aspiration to become accomplished musicians. Additionally, Eilene was a well-known figure in various communities in southeast Michigan, where she actively participated in musical activities and events, including singing and acting in "Tuesday Musical" events, organizing and directing the Jackson Children's Choir, and as a violinist with the Jackson and Lansing Symphony Orchestras. Eilene was also the choir director at St. Paul's Episcopal Church and St. John's United Church of Christ, among others. Sadly, she was not able to enjoy many of her talents in recent years because of Alzheimer's disease. Eilene never lost her love of music and could sing an a cappella solo better than the best throughout her illness - there wasn't a "High C" in any song that she couldn't hit with gusto! A memorial service and a celebration of her life will be held in Britton in August. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. View obituary and share memories at DesmondFuneralHome.com.
↧