ELKHART, Ind. — Eileen (Parrish) Peckhem passed away on Friday, Oct. 8, 2010, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Carson City, Mich., on Dec.  5, 1948, to Richard Parrish and Evelyn (Parrish) Joines.

She graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1966.

She then moved to Kalamazoo, where she met her husband of 33 years, Dennis Peckhem.

Together they raised five daughters.

Throughout the years she was a devoted and loving wife and mother. She later decided to re-enter the work force and joined the staff in the Science Department at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She stayed on as a valued employee there for seven years until an unexpected medical condition made it impossible to continue her position.

For the last 11 years she courageously fought and continuously rebounded from her struggle with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). During those years there were many times she overcame and beat all odds.

Throughout the last 11 years she also spent a great deal of time being a devout grandmother to 11 grandchildren who were truly her joy.

Eileen is survived by: her husband, Dennis Peckhem; their five daughters, Tracy (Scott) Hines, Nancy (Todd-deceased) Potratz, Cathryn Peckhem, Jamey Peckhem and Jennifer Peckhem; her 11 grandchildren, including: Caitlyn and Ian Hines, Isaac and Alexis Potratz, Mark Seay, Alivia Peckhem, Asia Dickson, Rebekah and Madison Autrey and Kayleena and Kenden Todd; and her siblings, Patricia Hurley (Ed Burger), Lynn (Richard) Accoe, Ed (Sandy) Parrish, Dennis Parrish-deceased, Carol Pompey and a host of nieces and nephews.

Upon Eileen’s request there will be no services, although there will be a Celebration of Life Party on Oct. 23 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Kalamazoo VFW Hall 1527 at 1920 E. Kilgore Service Road, Kalamazoo.

Family is asking to contact them with any donations.