wickenham, England. Fred finished his service duties a couple years later and returned to Buffalo Center, Iowa to set up a home for Eileen and their son Rodney. When it was ready, Eileen embarked on a journey to Iowa as a war bride. Even though Eileen "couldn't boil water" when first married, she went on to become a very good cook and throughout her life worked at several restaurants and as a cook in the school and in the nursing home for many years. Eileen also worked in a greenhouse nursery as a young woman and continued that love of gardening and canning the fruits of her labor for all of her family to enjoy. Always full of energy and a believer in hard work, Eileen was still gardening and mowing her own lawn at age 90. No job was too menial and every job worth doing was worth doing right the first time. Eileen's sense of adventure took her on many trips throughout her life to see lots of things and meet many people. Once someone met Eileen, they did not forget her. Many times in her life, Eileen would encounter people who she had come in contact many years earlier and find them again in later years and be recognized. Eileen also enjoyed being around children, even serving as a Church Camp Counselor when in her late 80's. Children would call her "Mrs. B". Her sense of humor and quick wit always made for a good time and conversation. These conversations often happened over a "good cup of tea". Eileen is survived by children, Rodney (Nether) Weatherford, Texas, Pam Behrends, Glendale, Arizona, Sarah Aukes, Buffalo Center, Iowa and Anne Behrends (Melissa) Clinton, Iowa; grandson Rodney (Courtney) Behrends, Jr, Prosper, Texas; great-grandchildren, Lily "Miss Lily" Behrends and Grady "That boy" Behrends; sister, Gwen Strongitharm, Hanworth, England, and sisters-in-law, Darlene Benner, Portland, Oregon and Lilly Yorath, Twickenham, England. Additional special family members include Linda Sharp and family of Decorah, Iowa; Andy, Shannon and Susan Aukes of LeSeuer, Minnesota, Anthony Accurso's children, and many nieces and nephews. Eileen was preceded in death by husband, Fred in 1991, a son Thomas in infancy, a daughter, Janet, children-in-laws, Harlan and CJ, her parents, William and Sarah, 5 sisters and 3 brothers, and her special friend Anthony Accurso. Many thanks go to all of the staff at The Meadows and St John's skilled care for the care and support given to Eileen and family. Eileen always said she loved to see and smell the flowers in life and this was not a need after life. In Lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be given to the First Reformed Church of Buffalo Center or the Hospice of your choice. Thank you for any kind donations, please accept this as the family's expression of gratitude so that the expense of "thank you's" may also be put to better use as a donation.