• Eileen Ryan Krause

Eileen Ryan Krause was born August 11, 1954, and made the world a wilder, funnier, more beautiful place until her passing March 2, 2015.

Eileen was born in Burlington, Vermont, and later lived in New York, Arizona, and Missouri. She cherished the adventures and friends she made along the way; and no matter where she went, she brought music. From childhood singing contests to family kitchen jam sessions, leading her own band, impromptu sing-alongs with strangers on buses, and lullabies for the little ones she loved, there was always a song for the moment. She brought so much joy to so many with her gift.

Despite a large and close family, Eileen loved meeting new friends and caring for old ones. Her door was always open, her ear was never too tired, and her heart was never too full to welcome more. Her love was powerful, and her devotion to her family and friends defined her. Her brothers and sisters, especially, were always on her mind and in her heart.

Eileen had a marvelous sense of humor. In fact, she was so known for her pranks that no one believed her when she announced her marriage to her husband, James, on January 27, 1990; but as she would insist, some decisions are just that easy. They had great fun, caused all sorts of mischief together, and built a beautiful life full of love for themselves and their daughter, and later their son-in-law and their grandson, in the 25 years of their marriage. (They also fished a whole lot.)

Happiest on the water, with a fishing pole in hand and her family close by, Eileen didn’t need much in this world. Her joy was in giving, and she has earned her rest after a life spent mostly in service to others.

We pray that our Lord watch over and keep her until we are with her again, but we send fair warning, because, in the fitting words of Shakespeare, “though she be but little, she is fierce.”

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Gloria and James Ryan, and her brother Michael Ryan. She is survived by her husband, James Krause; her daughter, Nichole Terrill, and son-in-law, Travis Terrill; her grandson, Luke Terrill; her sisters and brothers, David Ryan, Patricia Hamilton, Kathleen Warner, Gloria Mansfield, Dennis Ryan, Rebecca Capron, James Ryan, Dan Holcombe; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Eileen Ryan Krause was always an inspiration and forever a wonder. She will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Eileen’s funeral Mass Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at St. Francis Xavier Church, 3 Saint Peter Street, Winooski, VT 05404. Services will begin at 10 a.m., with interment in the adjoining cemetery following. Arrangements are under the care and direction of LaVigne Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Winooski. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lavignefuneralhome.com.