Eileen Jane Schutz

Schutz, Eileen J. RN, 73, a longtime resident of Lutz, formerly of Wickliffe, Ohio, died Sunday August 16th after a long courageous battle with cancer. At home with her husband and children at her side, she slipped away during a summer rain shower, making sure her garden had been watered.

Eileen is survived by her husband Gary and son Geoff of Lutz, son Greg and daughter-in-law Jennifer Tyson of St Pete, sisters Pat of Wickliffe, Ohio, Claudia of Macedonia, Ohio, Marylin of Sedro Wooley, Washington, brother Ed of Wickliffe, Ohio and many nieces and nephews as well as a huge extended family. Eileen is also very much missed by her dog, Angel, who she recused in 2008 and never left Mom’s side over the last few weeks. She was predeceased by her parents Jennie and Edward Dowd. Eileen graduated from Wickliffe High School and completed RN nursing school at Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital. An opportunity to become the assistant director of nursing at Woodlands Nursing Home led her to Tampa. She later became a nurse educator in adult education programs of the Hillsborough County School system, where she spent 25 years, primarily at Learey Technical Center and Erwin Tech, preparing men and women for their careers as LPN’s and CNA’s. Even after retirement she never lost her love for nursing, people and education.

Eileen had a passion for Harley Davidson motorcycles. She completed rider training in 1993 and rode her own for many years, participating in many activities with HOG and Abate. She was thrilled to be part of the escort and sentinel for the Viet Nam memorial wall, when it came to the area. There was a special place in her heart for the work being done at Southeastern Guide Dogs in Palmetto, another facility they visited as a group. She froze her butt riding to Daytona and enjoyed many summer and fall rides in Ohio and Pennsylvania while on family vacations.

Eileen loved tending her garden which was affectionately referred to as “Miss Eileen’s Garden” having many varieties of orchids as well as other plantings. She was always ready to head out and enjoy an event at a local music venue or take a day trip for a visit to the beach, a park or nature preserve.

Arrangements by Blount & Curry Carrollwood Chapel to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Eileen's family suggests donations be made in her name to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Palmetto, FL, the MDS Foundation or other worthy organization of your choosing.

Arrangements by Blount & Curry Carrollwood Chapel to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Eileen's family suggests donations be made in her name to Southeastern Guide Dogs, Palmetto, FL, the MDS Foundation or other worthy organization of your choosing.