Obituaries

On the early morning of September 26th, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Eileen Delores Seymour, passed away from her battle with PSP, a form of Parkinson’s. She was the youngest of eight born on her parents’ Thomas Edward and Helen Gertrude Joyce’s farm in Illinois. Eileen had a happy childhood, participating in plays, clubs, and athletics, and eventually graduated at the top of her class. She went on to attend Illinois State Normal University to receive her teaching degree in special education. She worked as a teacher and eventually a principal. Eileen created Eau Claire Area School District’s Reading Partners Program, before and after daycare at St. Patrick’s Elementary School and the first all-day kindergarten in Eau Claire. Additionally, she ran a daycare and wrote and received grants for computer education and breakfast funds for children. She was active in the Eau Claire Democratic Party and a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Parish. Our grandma was rightfully proud of her accomplishments. For us though, her legacy will be our family. Eileen and Mike met on a blind date set up by two friends who thought they might hit it off and they were right. 65 years later, they have six children and their spouses, 23 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Eileen regularly hosted gatherings full of too much food and so much laughter. She modeled how to support and love one another through our successes and setbacks and to lean on each other when life gets tough. Whether she was on the dance floor at a wedding, laughing with her sisters, or singing to one of her grandkids, she taught us to enjoy every moment. We will miss her dearly.

Eileen is survived by the love of her life and husband, Michael Seymour; her children, Gail (Mike) Stage, Pete (Denise) Seymour, Sam (Meg) Seymour, Jane (Scott) Kunick, Beth (Steve) Chapin, and Ben (Michelle) Seymour; her grandchildren, Sara (Josh) Bennett, Jenay Barstad, Kaylin (Aaron) Nelson, Kelly (Sam) Eaton, Carter Barstad, Stephanie (Travis) Rogers, Jordan (Chris) Wack, Jessica (Kaleb) Bright, Thomas Chapin, Tyler (Emily) Seymour, Tessa Stage, Sam Chapin, Emily (Steve Berger) Stage, Mikayla (Tristan) Holtman, Maddie (Chris Kathka) Seymour, Meegan Kristo, Emma Seymour, Grace Kristo, Lauren Chapin, Luke Seymour, Will Seymour, Griffin Kristo, and Wyatt Seymour; great grandchildren, Michael Seymour, Scarlett McSorley, Lily Bennett, Oscar Klaus, Jack Eaton, Maebel Nelson, Gigi Bennett, Ramona Eaton, Eleanor Nelson, Hayes Rogers, Andrew Eaton, Arthur Nelson, Posie Holtman, Charlie Seymour, Lennon Rogers, and Dorothy Nelson; her brother, Frank (Bo) Joyce; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Seymour and Liz Joyce; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by John and Geraldine Joyce, Michael and Mary Lou Joyce, Kathleen and Lawrence Martin, Rosemary and Rudy Koehle, Tom and Elaine Joyce, Jim and Genny Joyce, Pete Seymour, Joe and Ginny Seymour, and five nephews and one niece.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the amazing staff of Care Partners and St. Croix Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am, with a visitation starting at 10:00 am, Saturday, October 28, 2023, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 316 Fulton St, Eau Claire. A celebration will follow the mass. Visitation will be Friday, October 27th, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, with a service at 7:00 pm, at Haven Church, 2725 Mall Dr Suite 2. A private burial will be held at a later date. Memorials to Camp Manitou, in Eileen’s name, can be sent to Pete Seymour at 3752 Cummings Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701.

Friends and family are welcome to leave online condolences.