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Eileen’s Story
Site created on May 21, 2021
On May 18, 2021, Eileen was diagnosed with Adenocarcinoma, cancer in her right lung. After several months waiting to find out, we got the answer we all dreaded. This amazing woman has been the rock for so many. It's our time to be her strength. Eileen Donnelly was born to George and Beverly (Fritz) Donnelly on April 18, 1957 in East Tawas, MI. A firey little girl with 4 brothers and 1 sister. Patrick (Sherri) Donnelly, Coleen Donnelly, Brian (Jan) Donnelly, Sean (Wendi) Donnelly and Collin (Rockal) Donnelly. A caretaker even then. She grew up, a military brat, moving from place to place in the midwest and rolling with the changes. Eileen graduated from Charles City, IA in 1975. Eileen married James Julik in 1978. Together, they created an angel (who was perfect in every way), Kathryn Diane Julik. Although this was not meant to be, Eileen met her soul mat and the love of her life, Thomas Colby, when he played with his band, Monarch, at the Coon Rapids American Legion in 1982. Tom came with his own precious gift, Celeste Marie Paige Colby. On August 25, 1984 they merged their families through marriage. As time went by, this family grew adding Thomas Robert Colby, the boy they both wanted so much, in 1986. In 1988, they gained temporary custody of John Charles Donnelly filling this family with 1 more child. Eileen loves to say this is a yours, mine, ours and somebody else's family! For over 30 years, this family has only grown! Celeste became step mom to Kalli and Alexandria Laurin and Aaron Moore. She blessed them with 2 amazing girls, Paige and Colby. Kathryn (Robert) Cole added Mary, Peyton, Ava and James Thomas. Tommy (Dana) Colby gave them Lily, Thomas (Jun) and Myles. But her story doesn't end there! Kalli added 3 (and 1 on the way) GREAT grand babies! Eileen was also "mom" to many of her kids friends growing up, she was their "adopted mom." It all started with Angie and Julie but never ended. Annie (Rowell) Nielsen joined the chaos. Missy McGuirk was added to this roster for change for $100. Missy gave her 2 more sweet girls, Kadance and Karah. Eileen has stood hard with family does not have to be blood. She makes room in her heart for all that want to be there!
Today is the day! Surgery! The plan is to remove the upper lobe of her right lung. The process will be done with robotics (Danger Will Robinson!). This is the least invasive option. Well, still pretty invasive since the will be deflating her lung, cutting the top lobe out and then inflating the lung back up, BUT not as open. So less scarring. She has already gone to the back to pre op to get her pretty new dress (I see London, I see France...) She is in good spirits this morning. Wendi and I are both here with her. I want to thank everyone for their continued love and prayers.
