In loving memory of Eileen Muhlbaier

Beloved Eileen Margaret Muhlbaier (80), (née Osborne), of Blackwood, NJ, formerly of Fairview, will be laid to rest beside her parents, Jean Osborne (née Nitka), and Mark Osborne, and beside her baby sister Katherine Osborne, in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Blackwood, NJ. She is survived by her loving husband and devoted caretaker, Ken Muhlbaier, of Blackwood, NJ, her daughter Donna Wilson (Linda Kornfeld) of San Diego, California and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, son Steve Muhlbaier (Melissa) of Sewell, NJ, sisters and brothers in laws, and her adored grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by son Scott Wilson. Eileen was predeceased by her adored older sister Jean Jones (née Osborne), her brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Jones, and by her son John Muhlbaier (Linda). Eileen is also survived by her best friends of 75 years – Judy Williams (née Hawk) of Haddonfield, Ida Dziengowski (née Caso), who met in grammar school (Yorkship School) in Fairview and have remained very close throughout their lives, and was predeceased by Bonnie Kijewski (née Caso) who completed that loving foursome of friends. Eileen also is survived by her many special friends, including but not limited to Mary Ann Caja, and Sue Casey, both of Blackwood, NJ. Our family cannot thank enough those whose friendship, love and support through the many years made Eileen’s life a joy. We are also grateful for the support provided to Eileen and her family by so many others, including Good Samaritan Hospice, and the friendship and understanding of the Jackson-Gerber family. Words cannot convey the uniqueness of Eileen’s intelligence, generosity, sharp wit, strength and love. To paraphrase many when hearing of her passing, “Eileen’s smile and laughter lit up every room she entered.” Eileen was “authentic” long before it became cool – she always was the real deal and you knew where you stood. She was candid and always kind, often hysterically funny so. Once she determined that someone was the real deal, Eileen responded with unconditional love and loyalty. Indeed, throughout her life she selflessly nursed friends and relatives as they waged their own health battles. For her children, to the very end Eileen was a source of absolute unconditional love. For her daughter Donna, she has lost her best and closest friend but knows that she will be together again with her Mom someday. In the meantime, Donna will miss their almost daily phone calls, the family adventures and holidays with friends and family (including her daughter’s in-laws) that Eileen so loved, their mutual love of shopping at any and all Home Goods stores (especially at Christmastime!), and her mom’s wisdom, guidance, and fun-loving spirit. Eileen was well-known for her love and admiration for the Pennsylvania Dutch history and culture, particularly the Amish and Mennonite communities. What began as a school research project sparked a lifelong interest that she explored through frequent visits to Lancaster and Virginia with her extremely patient and indulgent husband Ken and later with her granddaughter Jenna, who has inherited her grandmother’s passion. She also taught her stellar skee-ball and frog bog playing skills to family members during their many trips down the shore. Ultimately, Eileen fought a valiant 5+ year battle against Alzheimer’s – and she fought to the very end. In her last act of selfless love, Eileen sought to have her brain reviewed forensically post-mortem to help protect her loved ones from this horrible disease. She also wanted to help the many others in this world – both patients and their families – similarly affected. As we all know, Alzheimer’s disease does not have a party affiliation or a political view – it strikes without regard to wealth, education, race, or ethnicity. We respectfully ask you to contact your elected officials to ensure the continued funding necessary to cure this awful disease – its economic costs and detrimental impact on the individual families and the country demand that we solve it. To that end, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Alzheimer's Association. As solace, we picture Eileen in the bright sunshine, eating a vanilla Kohr’s custard with jimmies, or maybe a slice of boardwalk pizza (she essentially viewed these as two essential food groups!), and walking along the boardwalk or maybe shopping in Deptford Mall, together with her beloved older sister Jeannie, her mom and dad, and those friends and relatives who passed before her. We know that she always will be with us, watching over us, loving us. We adore you Mom forever and always.