Eileen Evelyn Elgas

Eileen Evelyn Hakala Elgas, age 89, born on May 11, 1931 in De Kalb, IL, died peacefully on November 28, 2020 surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Ossie and Siiri Hakala. She was preceded in death by her husband Eugene Elgas and her brothers Ralph and Raymond Hakala and sister Vieno Elaine Hall.

Eileen was a devoted wife to her husband, Eugene for 66 years and the most loving mother to six children: Teresa Berger (Guy), Kathleen Elgas, Gary Elgas (Catherine), Karen Macauley (Wesley), Lisa Duncan (Steve), and Kevin Elgas (Tracey); and a loving grandmother to thirteen grandchildren: Allen Ashdown (Christina), Jesse Ashdown (Jessica), Carmen Garrigan (Sean), Randy Ashdown (Marissa), Jennifer Macauley (Joseph), Ashley Elgas, Christopher Macauley (Melina), Justine Saunders (Kurt), Alex Elgas (Kelly), Jarrett Duncan (Audrey), Jordan Duncan, Emily Elgas, and Jack Elgas and eight great grandchildren: Nathan Garrigan, Benton Ashdown, Lilliana Garrigan, Lucas Ashdown, Kandelin Saunders, Jolee Saunders, Logan Duncan and Nicholas Posillico as well as many nieces and nephews.

Eileen graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, Phoenix, AZ as a Registered Nurse in 1952 and married Eugene Elgas on September 20th,1952, one week after graduation from nursing school. After living in Phoenix for a few years, they moved to San Diego, California and she worked as a nurse at Mercy Hospital. She served in many volunteer positions at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, School of the Madeleine and Mission Bay Hospital. After retirement in 1991, she enjoyed years of traveling throughout the country with her husband Gene. Eileen’s hobbies included traveling, bridge, reading, sewing, dancing and spending time with her family and friends. Eileen will always be remembered for being a constant part of her children’s and grandchildren’s lives, a loyal friend and loving sister, daughter and aunt. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

A celebration of life graveside service will be held on Tuesday, December 8th for immediate family and will be available to family and friends via livestream. In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Eileen Elgas to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Parish at 1945 Illion Street San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 276-1041.