Care Manager-Guardianship Services of Seattle  / Erin Rycraft (Friend)
Dear Debbie,
I was saddened to learn of Eileen's sudden death, and my heart goes out to you. I worked at Senior Information and Assistance around 1985 and have many memories of Eileen. Her sly humor is one. One of my favorite crazy words that Eileen created, and I still use to this day, is "symbiovesticotic". Eileen explained to us that this was the occurance of a group of people all wearing the same color on a certain day and commenting, oh we all have red on today. Did she try that word in scrabble?
When I think of Eileen, I can hear her laugh, re-call the great books she recommended,  remember her compassion with clients, and what she taught me about being a true advocate for those needing justice in this whacked out world. I have not forgotten her lessons.
Peace to you, Erin Close

My thoughts are with you all.  / Beth (friend of Debbie's )
I only knew her through a smile... ...the smile that filled her voice so you could see it through the phone ...the smile that lit up Debbie's face at the mere mention of her name ...the smile in all the pictures of her life showing how much she loved living I knew her well just by the smiles she gave the world and wish that I had known her better still. I hope that time will allow the current pain to fade enough so her memory will bring a smile again. She will be missed. Close

Eileen, you touched my life on so many levels...  / Rachel Diaz (Friend)
Dear Eileen: There are so many areas of my life where you reside. Since you died, I can't look at my palm pilot without thinking of you--you taught me how to use it, we'd beam games to one another. I can't open Quicken without thinking of you--you taught me how to use it, you helped me overcome my fears. I can't read the newspaper financial section without thinking of you. You educated me and advised me about money issues and you always patiently answered my questions. I can't walk into my acupuncture treatment room without thinking of you...private conversations and laughter over all things "woo woo" as I "jammed" you with needles. I'll never be able to play another Scrabble game without thinking of you. 20 years of playing, of whining, of cursing, but mostly laughing. I won't walk into my mother's care facility without thinking of you...the support and help you gave me as I worked at transitioning her to Seattle...the resources you were always offering me. I won't cook a special dinner without thinking of you; how you transformed and grew your own cooking prowess over the years and became a serious contender of Scrabble meal's "one -up- manship" (is that a word?; if we were playing Scrabble, you'd kindly say "of course it is...). I can't look at my cat without thinking of your growing love for cats and how you laughed at our newly adopted bedraggled Hermione. Eileen, you gave me so much. I could go on and on but I will have to trust that you know (thank heavens for those woo woo discussions!). I love you and will always miss you..your gifts of friendship, laughter, love, and knowledge reside in my heart. See you later, Rachel Close

The Velveteen Rabbit  / Adele Murphy (Sister-in-law)
I stopped by the Meredith's who are dear friends from Anaconda after I dropped Jim off at the airport for Klamath Falls and Cathy said Eileen is so like the Murphy's velveteen rabbit...I thought that was a perfect description of Eileen! As we all learned and experienced from both Debbie and Eileen that every moment is precious, live it to its fullest, be the REAL you, and love everyone unconditionally! The Murphy's led by Eileen helped Jim and I and Kelly, Kevin, and Patrick have the very best Christmas'. Eileen was always the one that kept the boys "believing" by putting the Santa presents in front of the door, ringing the doorbell, and slipping into the back door without being noticed! I will never forget how patient, loving, compassionate, and gentle she was with her nephews and Jim and I...from their birth up to today. One of the first times Eileen came to Kalispell, she was trying to get Jim and I to make a decision on where we should go eat. We kept saying we didn't care...I know she was getting frustrated but she just laughed and said...you two librans need to learn how to make decisions! A quality I forgot to mention above was how fun she was...she was always up for go-carting or "bowling or Jesus!" We'll continue those traditions in your honor Eileen because you were our glue. Thank you Eileen and Debbie for the trip of our lifetime to Ireland! Thank you for your beautiful loving relationship. I love you both! Debbie...remember once a Murphy always a Murphy! Close

Big shoes to fill!  / Mark Kohoutek (Brother-in-law)
I have known Eileen for 23+ years. She has taught and shown me a lot over the years. I truly wish my children would have had the opportunity to have witnessed her intelligence, her commitment to helping others and her great sense of humor for 23+ years. We all have a void in our lives that will be hard to fill. However, if anyone can fill this void I have confidence that Debbie is the one. We will always be there for you if need be.  Close

Aunt Eileen...Thanks for all of the memories  / Kevin Murphy (Nephew)
My first memories of spending time with Eileen is when we visited Puget Sound and collected sea shells, ate ice cream and got to ride your friend's old cars...You would also drive us around Kalispell while Santa Claus was coming to town...In later years, along with Debbie we would witness your famous hole-in-one, I still have a picture of the shot in my head and how we started jumping around when it fell in the cup...In high school, when we were learning Spanish you would send us books, coins and other memorabila from your trips to Mexico, and Debbie would continuously speak with us in Spanish whenever we would see you...You always cared about us, and this was evident when you would watch Patrick and I run our Cross Country races, run our first Marathon in Seattle (the cheering was the only thing that got me through this after I hit the wall at mile 13). You both attended all of our graduations (card games, climbing the M, and Lightning), our wedding, and came and took the boat ride in Glacier Park with all of the Murphys...You kept up with Montana by checking the web cams, and the runmontana website where you knew me as the Ostrich...and you kept me safe in Ireland when you kept me back from the edge of the Cliffs of Moher and Dun Aengus...and you always led great discussions on books, and politics...Thank you for all of the great memories.

Eileen sent this picture of the Many Glacier Webcam to us all last year. She said how surreal and beautiful she thought the shot was. Copy and paste this in a web browser to view.

http://64.4.61.250/cgi-bin/getmsg/glaciersunrise%2ejpg?&msg=68B5BA32-0BF7-4C3D-BB17-58916079AA13&start=0&len=66326&mimepart=3&curmbox=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000001&b=baee647a7a8ddf6e3fcf8ddcefe21acf&disk=10.1.106.202_d3631&login=runmsu&domain=hotmail%2ecom&_lang=EN&country=US&SafeRedirect=%26hm___ts%3d1126571418%26hm___ha%3d534bd030e613fc651166edab3f5d352e Close

Thank you Eileen  / Lisa Withey Michaud (co-worker)
I'll never forget Eileen's smile in my job interview - it is definitely part of the reason I took my job, and she is a big part of the reason I am still here at Senior Services, six years later. Thank you Eileen for being part of my life through these years: taking interest in my life as I became a mother, always eager to help take care of Eli while I needed to get some work done while he came to the office with me; always bringing a smile to his face with your bears; sharing our stories of trips to Ireland and other travel around the world & country; teaching me so much with her wit and wisdom. It has been my privelege and pleasure to work for you and with you. Thank you for your gifts, I will treasure them always. Close

Eileen will be missed  / Sheryl Schwartz (Colleague)
Eileen's softspoken, competent leadership -- for which we all admired her so -- will be sorely missed by the Healthy Aging Partnership and other groups to which she added so much. I feel fortunate to have had my life touched by Eileen's special presence. Debbie and her other family members will be in my thoughts as they heal from their great loss. Close

Kind and Gentle Spirit  / Karen Beisner (CoWorker)
It has been hard to come to grips with the loss of Eileen, and the stages of grief are all intermingled. 

Although I only knew Eileen for less than 2 years, I feel so fortunate to have known her at all.  She had the rare sort of spirit that one knows immediately to be very, very special.  Although I will miss her smile, her wisdom, her charm, and her compassion, I will forever carry her spirit.  Because she touched so many lives, of those she knew and loved, and those she didn't, she will live on forever. 

Debbie, I don't think we've met, but I know you must be a very special woman to have captured Eileen's heart.  I'll hold you close in my thoughts and prayers.

With deepest regards and condolences,
Karen Beisner
HR Manager for Senior Services Close

Reflections / Mary Kreider (seester-in-law)
It has been so comforting to read how Eileen has touched other peoples lives. So much that I would say has already been said. She is smart, caring, hard worker, funny....the list goes on and on. There is saying that goes something like you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family. Well, I would have chosen Eileen to be a friend, but more importantly, she chose us to be part of her family. Debbie was smart (as we already know that she is!!). She introduced us to Eileen, a little at a time. To say the Crumb family can be overwhelming is an understatement. But she jumped right in and welcomed us into her life. Eileen and Debbie had many a family gathering, just so we could get together and share in each others company. Thanksgiving dinners (so our dear sweet mother would have to stop doing all the work herself), baby showers, wedding showers, Sunday Brunches, the list goes on and on. My last memory that I will have of Eileen was all the work that she and Debbie did for our daughter's wedding and reception. Without batting an eye, they just rolled up their sleeves and jumped in to do whatever needed to be done. It was such a happy day and everyone had such a wonderful time. That was just a month ago. Eileen is someone that our family was so blessed that she chose us. She was such a special person that not enough words can say how much we will miss her. Eileen, please continue to watch over us, especially for our dear, sweet, wonderful sister Debbie. Special thoughts and prayers to the Murphy family. WE LOVE YOU EILEEN.
The Kreider Family
Mary and Jim
Brian, Carri and baby Cameron
Jenny and Matt
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A Sad and Sorrowful Loss of a Good Life!  / Cheza Garvin (Colleague)
Wow, what an untimely loss of a beautiful person! My condolences to Debbie and all of Eileen's family and friends. Eileen was a strong part of the leadership group that has kept the Healthy Aging Partnership (HAP) going strong for several years. She and I interacted to move the cause of healthy aging ahead through the HAP and even before she joined the HAP. Her dedication and positive spirit were key elements for the success of our activities. We will miss her as we continue the struggle to improve the lives of older adults. Close

Such a loss!  / Asuman Kiyak (Colleague)
Dear Debbie, nieces, nephews and other family members,
          I am so sorry about Eileen's sudden death; how ironic that someone whose career was dedicated to improving the lives of older adults should have her life cut short even before she reached 55!  She was a great force for good, both in Senior Services and the community. I had the privilege of getting to know her while on Senior Services' Advisory Board, but even before that she was tremendously helpful in our collaborative research with Senior Services.  Her dedication to her work and clients was amazing! She adapted readily to the numerous changes in leadership at Senior Services over the past 25 years and helped to make it better with each transition.  She will certainly be missed in the aging community. My heart goes out to her loved ones and her Senior Services colleagues.
Asuman Kiyak
Director: Institute on Aging
University of Washington Close

Shining Star  / Carlye Teel (friend and co-worker )
Eileen was a friend and co-worker for over 20 years. Her honesty, integrity, care for others, sense of humor, zest for life shone brightly. I will miss her so very much. The world was a far better place because of Eileen. Her star will always shine brightly. My deepest sympathy to you Debbie and all her family and other friends. 
Carlye Teel Close

20 years of scrabble was not enough  / Shelle Crosby (friend)
Dear, dear Eileen--20 years of scrabble was just not enough.  We were counting on many, many more.  We will miss your stories (including stories about the trips you and Debbie would take), your mantra to "just let it go", and the wonderful dinners.  I personally will miss your willingness to believe that words I was just guessing about were real.  I wish we would have had to chance to say goodbye--but maybe this will do.

love always  Shelle  Close

My heart goes out to you  / Kathy Laurente (Friend of Debbie's )
Dearest Debbie, Memories are yours to keep forever and to treasure as you proceed with your love of life. Close

A wonderful Aunt  / Sara Crumb (Niece)
Eileen was such a remarkable person... intelligent, giving, hard-working, compassionate.  She had a wonderful sense of humor and was so fun to be around.  I can't say enough about her.  She touched so many lives, including mine.  I am grateful to have been able to call her aunt for the past 18 years.  I will really miss her.  I will always cherish the time I spent with her at family gatherings and with her and Debbie at dinners and lectures.  I so enjoyed our many conversations about books and politics.   

Debbie and Eileen, thank you for all the love and support you have always given me.  I love you both. 

Love, Sara Close

Thank you for all you gave us  / Joe Pipinich (Cousin)

I have many memories of Eillen during my early years.  Eileen was not only a cousin and friend, she was a tutor.  We grew up together in a large extended family setting in a smaller town.  We all knew that Eileen was special for her intelligence and concern.   Everyone is involved in something but very few people are committed to their beliefs as Eileen was.  Being involved is easy but being fully committed takes an extra effort - a much bigger heart.  Eileen always took the extra step and did not settle for simply being involved.  While we will all miss her but we must be enriched by what she gave us while she was with us.

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I Had a Dream about Eileen  / Emily Leptich (niece)
Hey everyone, it's Emily, and I just wanted to share the dream I had.  I don't know how much significance dreams really have, but it meant something to me so I feel the need to share it.

Thursday night, Caitlin and I stopped by Debbie's house to pick up her car and we were able to speak with her, hug her, and tell her how me much we loved her and Eileen. She looked really tired, but her words were so comforting and her spirit so strong. Debbie is amazing.

Anyhow, I had a dream Friday morning that Caitlin and I were back in front of Debbie's house. We were having some sort of family get-together and Debbie was delegating little tasks for us to do. All of sudden, Eileen appeared by her side, clear as day with a smile on her face. Debbie didn't look surprised, but Caitlin and I were so we both gave her hugs. Then Eileen joined the conversation asking "Debbie, do you need help with anything? Do you want me to get the napkins?" (I know, dreams are weird.) Then I replied, "Eileen, you're dead. You don't need to do that!"  She just laughed like I said something completely ridiculous, then stated matter-of-factly "Just because I'm dead doesn't mean I won't be helping Debbie...."

That's all I remember. I woke up with tears in my eyes.  I also just want to say how lucky I know I am, and how lucky we all are, to have such a wonderful and supportive family. I love you all!

Emily
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Hugs / Pat Roche (Friend and Admirer )
Debbie, I was so sorry to learn about Eileen. My Mom died of a heart attack on Labor Day, and I just returned from her funeral this afternoon. I sat down to read the paper and came across the wonderful tribute to Eileen. My heart aches for you. I cherish the spiritual journery we shared together at Dignity and have thought of you two often. I miss our hugs and our shared prayer and laughter. You, your family and Eileen are in my thoughts and prayers, dear friend. Close

We love and miss you!  / Lisa And Lynn Brodoff And Grotsky (dear friends )
We met Debbie and Eileen 14 years ago on an Olivia cruise and have been fast friends ever since.  They are the most amazing couple -- passionate, fierce, loving, caring, hilarious, and always doing something for the world.  We only wish we had gotten to spend more time together!  We will celebrate Eileen's well-lived life and mourn this terrible loss with you all on the 24th.  Debbie, we are crying with you and holding you in our thoughts and prayers.  All our love, Lisa and Lynn Close