Eileen (Charles) Bower

Eileen Bower (70), nee Charles, of Rockford passed away early Sunday morning at the Amberwood Care Centre of natural causes. Known as Ollie by those closest to her, Eileen was born in Chicago, where she lived until the family moved into their un-incorporated Cary home near the Fox River, built by their father. Eileen was the second eldest of nine children, and grew up swimming, boating, and fishing on the river with her siblings. She was individualistic, fun-loving and attentive, often looking after her youngest siblings, and later, adored as a favorite aunt by her many nieces and nephews. After graduating from Cary Grove High School, Eileen went on to become a talented career lithographer. She semi-retired and moved to Shelby, Ohio with her husband, Robert Bower, where she lived until his death in 2015.  She was an avid reader who enjoyed her solitude and independence. Eileen was also known for her candor and unapologetic honesty, which she carried with pride. She loved her family fiercely, despite the physical distances that separated them. Ollie Dragon will be missed by her many friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph “Bud” and Frances “Pat” Charles, her husband Robert Bower, her brother James “J.C.” Charles, her sister Ellen Charles, and daughter Lynn Kelderhouse (Paul) nee Fobert. She is survived by her daughter Tanya Koop (Robert), step-children Peter Bower and Christa (Jarrod) Bottomley, Granddaughters Kelcey Kelderhouse and Adley and Willa Curtis, as well as her brothers John (Vicki), Pete (Lynne), Joe (Laurie), and Bill, and her sisters Mary Severinghaus and Fran Charles, and many, many nieces, nephews, and grandniblings.

Tribute Donations may be made in her name to the American Heart Association at www.donatenow.heart.org .

There are no plans for a memorial or internment, but a celebration of Eileen’s life will be held during the summer of 2022, at a time and place to be determined.