Eileen Marie Corter

Eileen “darling” was the daughter of Thomas A. and Maureen Herling. She was the youngest of 7 children, 2 sisters and 4 brothers, and was raised in the Edgebrook neighborhood in Chicago, IL. Eileen attended St. John’s Lutheran and St Paul’s Lutheran grammar schools and graduated from Luther North High School in 1987. Her high school friends are some of her dearest friends. She attended Beauty School and was a cosmetologist for many years. She began her career at O’Hair Barber Shop in Rosemont, then went onto having her own home salon serving beverages, laughs, and haircuts for many loving and lifelong customers that turned into family. She also spent many years working as a bartender at Colletti’s. The impactful friendships made went beyond the restaurant as many weekend girl trips, late nights laughing until peeing, and special life events were cherished together. She met the love of her life Darryl at age 24, after 10 months of dating they were engaged, and then married on October 12, 1996. They had 3 children which they raised on the NW side of Chicago, among many fun-loving and dear neighbors.

If you knew Eileen, you’d learn how to laugh and smile often. She had a quirky and funny name for most everyone and everything and could keep you in stitches all day long. Ei welcomed everyone into her life no matter their story and became an instant friend to many. She kept things real,simple, and gave honest advice.

Eileen enjoyed creating artwork like her unique politically incorrect ornaments that were highly sought after each Christmas. Her creative mind constantly turning as she transformed basements, church sanctuaries, and rooms into a jungle, science lab, and underwater adventure. She was always quick witted with her active mind while handmaking countless Halloween costumes, helping her kids with school projects, and planning and hosting countless parties. In the summers, she enjoyed having people over in the pool, grilling, planning block parties, and many late nights filled with conversation and laughter with her neighborhood gang, specifically with her besties Brenda and Erin as they raised their children together. Eileen accepted Jesus at a young age and was baptized alongside her father at age 12. Her walk with the Lord became more serious after having children and attending Windy City Community Church near her home. She became involved in children’s ministries, doing skits in church services, VBS and Awana clubs. She especially loved attending the women’s bible study, WOW, led by Pastor Adaline which has been a great support for many years.

Eileen Darling loved traveling, specifically down to Naples and Bonita Springs, Florida, where she spent countless days on the beach, watched many sunsets, and spent time with her parents’ playing cards and laughing. She made sure to share this special place with Darryl and the kids throughout the years. She was a wonderful spouse, mom, daughter, sister, niece, a fun-loving aunt, great aunt, crazy cousin, and friend to so very many.

Eileen is survived by her loving husband, Darryl Lee Corter and her devoted children, Colleen, Scarlett and Pierce. She was the beloved daughter of the late Maureen and the late Thomas A. Herling; Caring sister to her 6 siblings Sean (Kathleen) Herling, Daniel (Ronald Crook) Herling, Peggy (the late Steven) Janes, the late Rosanne (the late William) Laurino, Thomas P. (Eva) & (the late Nancy) Herling, the late Anthony (Sharon) Herling. Loving daughter-in-law to Barbara and Paul Warmbold. Kind sister-in-law to Pam Warmbold, Sharon (Dave) Zuro, Jennifer Warmbold, and Daniel Warmbold.

Eileen’s physical absence leaves us with deep sorrow, yet her joyful spirit, love, energy, and infectious laughter continue to inspire us. She lived with unwavering faith, hope, and grace in Christ Jesus —valuing all people and facing challenges with courage and a positive outlook. Eileen believed with all her heart that she would see her loved ones again, holding fast to her faith and the power of prayer. For nearly five years, she faced illness with incredible strength, determined to live fully and keep her light shining. Her life and legacy continue to gracefully lead us to the peace and safe place she found in her Savior. She looks forward to seeing you again with a glimmer of joy, love, light and laughter. Scripture she wanted to share at this time: 1 Corinthians 15: 57-58; But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

Visitation will take place Thursday, August 14, from 2pm-8pm at Malec & Sons Funeral Home, 6000 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Il 60646. A Celebration of Life service will be held in Chicago, IL, Friday, August 15, 11am at Windy City Community Church, 6121 N Newark Ave, Chicago, IL 60631. Entombment will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 700 N River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60016.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Corter family.