Eileen Mary (Olig) Purnell

Eileen Mary Olig Purnell

November 28, 1925 -January 4, 2025

 Eileen Mary Purnell passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on January 4, 2025, at her home in the Gardens at St. Elizabeth, Denver. A dedicated mother and wife, Eileen Olig was the daughter of Matthias and Susanna Olig of Omaha, Nebraska, and despite the Great Depression, made her way to Creighton University in Lincoln to become Chief Editor of the Creightonian, the school newspaper. It was there she met her husband, William Osborne Purnell, and the rest was an adventurous and challenging life together.

Bill and Eileen were an Air Force couple, living all over the world before their retirement in Denver in 1969. Through the years, Eileen gave birth to seven children, all of whom survive her to this day and all of whom believe her to be the greatest mother that ever lived.

Eileen volunteered for Altar and Rosary Society at her final church home, St. James Catholic Church in Denver. She enjoyed painting, poetry, and the music of her time, including Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, and Bing Crosby. One of her favorite songs was "Sentimental Journey."

She is preceded in death by Bill, her husband of 46 years, who passed away on October 3, 1992. She is also preceded by many, many good friends and family members who enjoyed her smile, her quick wit and her love of life.

Eileen is survived by daughters Mary Parenti of Walnut Creek, CA, Bonnie (Glenn) Thompson of Arvada, Suzanne Purnell of Denver, Regina (Jerry) Dunn of Littleton, Eileen (Tony) Musella of Miramar Beach, FL, and sons Billy (Yolanda) Purnell of Gavilan Hills, CA, and Joe (Susan) Purnell of Huntington Beach, CA. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren and many, many extended family members!

Rosary, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 1:00 pm, Funeral Mass 1:30 pm, both at The Gardens at St. Elizabeth, 2835 West 32nd Ave., Denver, CO 80211. Graveside Service Thursday, February 13, 2025, 11:30 am, Fort Logan National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Gardens at St. Elizabeth, 2835 West 32nd Ave Denver, CO Attn: Meghan, or Catholic Relief Services at: www.crs.org