Frieda 'Eileen' Gemperline
Frieda Eileen Sommer Gemperline January 6, 1929 to April 2, 2021 lived a life of service as a caring nurse, a nurturing mother, a devout Catholic and a loving spouse. Eileen and Howard were married for 67 years until Howard’s passing last year. She is survived by her older sister, Bernadine Sommer Gemperline (Gene), and her children - Ken (Donna), Mark (Patricia), Jim (Cathy), Pat (Jan), Joe (Jan), Marie White(Lyle), Andrew(Lisa) and Doug. She leaves a loving family of 26 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. We all honor her memory in gratitude for her support, guidance, work ethic, spiritual fortitude and the pragmatism she embedded in our characters.
Born in Portsmouth, Ohio she graduated high school near the top of her class with a love of theater. She went directly into nursing school and graduated in 1950. She took pride in this work until her responsibilities of marriage and family demanded her attention. After her children had grown and gained independence, Eileen returned to her work as a nurse in Dr. Henrie’s office in Delta, Utah. During their marriage, dad would proudly state that mom obtained a nursing license in every state where they lived. The challenges of raising eight children, born in Iowa, New York, Ohio and Utah, along with her devoted church service, dominated her life. Teaching her children to pray, to respect others, to follow the great commandments, along with a devotion to Mother Mary were a constant message throughout her years. Organized and smart, she championed the importance of education to all of her children. She enjoyed music, comedy, cards, gardening and collecting rocks. As a child of the Great Depression, her frugality has left a mark on all of her children with many truly entertaining memories of frugality taken to exceptional levels.
Her family will honor her memory and celebrate her life with a Mass on April 12, 2021 at 12:30 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, Utah. Interment to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery. The Mass may be lived streamed by visiting her obituary page at www.starksfuneral.com where a “Watch Service” button will appear. The mass and graveside will also be available after services to watch on demand.
A special thanks to the dedicated and loving staff at Spring Gardens Holladay, with special thanks to the Memory Care Staff and Bristol Hospice for their loving support of mom during the last couple of years. We are grateful for their personal sacrifice, especially during this pandemic, to keep residents Covid free, safe and enjoying family style living.