Eileen died peacefully surrounded by family on June 2, 2014. An only child, Eileen was born May 20, 1922 to Patrick and Florence Gaffney in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Eileen survived a difficult birth as she was the one of the first babies to be in a new hospital incubator. Eileen moved several times with her parents, living in New York, Texas and Minnesota. Eileen attended St. Mary’s Academy in Texas and later graduated from Central High School in Minneapolis. Prior to marriage she attended Business College and worked for the Draft Board in Minneapolis during the early years of World War II. Eileen married Lyle Thomas Woodfill on September 6, 1943 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During their marriage the couple moved several times. Beginning in Minnesota, later to Spokane, then to the Chicago area and finally returning to Spokane in 1964. Eileen retired from the Crescent and had an athletic club membership from the ages of 67 to 90 and she was an avid walker. She enjoyed providing gifts through the Tree of Sharing for many years and knitting with her friends from the St. Augustine knitting group. She was dearly nicknamed “The Pink Lady”. Eileen and Lyle enjoyed many scenic drives from Canada to California. The couple regularly attended retreats at Immaculate Heart Retreat Center. Eileen and Lyle were married for 67 years and had 8 children. Eileen was preceded in death by her spouse Lyle, granddaughter Chelsea, son Joseph and daughter Susan Riggs. Eileen is survived by her sister-in-law Bernardine Jensen (Dallas, Texas). Her children Dennis & Kea Woodfill (Spokane), Patricia Powell (Spokane), Elizabeth Woodfill (Spokane), Nancy Wuitschick (Spokane), John Woodfill (Spokane) and Mary Woodfill (Spokane). Her grandchildren Shawn Riggs (Wenatchee), Chad & Amy Riggs (Spokane), Patrick Riggs (Portland), Kaye & Aaron Dingfield (Spokane), Wysteria & Matthew Edwards (Kennewick), Kylee and Mike Fisher (Spokane), Michael Woodfill (Spokane) and Anna Patyk (Spokane). Great grandchildren Kelsey Riggs (Wenatchee), Meagan Riggs (Cashmere), Martin Riggs (Wenatchee), Bradley Riggs (Wenatchee), Dylan Riggs (Spokane), Jonathan Edwards (Kennewick), Benjamin Edwards (Kennewick), Jack Dingfield (Spokane), Kendalynn Fisher (Spokane) and Zoe Dingfield (Spokane). Additionally, there are numerous cousins, nieces and nephews of several generations. Eileen will be greatly missed by both family and friends. The vigil service is Sunday, June 15th at 7:00 pm at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, June 16th at 10:00 am at St. Augustine Catholic Church 428 W. 19th Avenue, Spokane.
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