May 24, 1920 - Feb. 14, 2019
On Thursday, February 14, 2019, Eileen May Highstreet, devoted child to her Lord and Savior, passed away at her home from natural causes.
At age 98, Eileen still lived on her own. When she wasn’t spending time with family, she enjoyed knitting, crocheting and watching baseball - whether it be her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren or major leaguers playing. Eileen was known for her faithful, unfailing love of the Lord.
Eileen was born on May 24, 1920 in Yorkshire England to George and Edith (Cooper) Bintcliffe. She served in the British Army where she met her husband John Alvin Highstreet. They married February 3, 1945 in her homeland, Yorkshire England. Even though England would always hold a special place in her heart, after joining her husband in America, Eileen pledged her love for this great country she was so proud to be a part of. They raised two sons, Fred and Don, and a daughter Darlene in Artesia, California where they had their own dairy business. John later moved their family and the dairy business to Chino, California where they eventually retired and built a home in town. Eileen lost her beloved husband July 12, 1987. Soon after his passing, she realized she should probably acquire a driver’s license - at the age of 67! Eileen traveled a lot in the years following, including her most loved trip to the holy land. She was very involved in the church her entire life and that didn’t change once she moved to Urbana Missouri in 2004, to be closer to her daughter. Eileen loved the simple pleasures in life, like being able to walk to the post office or store on Main Street, not far from her home. If you ever stopped by her home, she always had cookies and hot tea ready, anxiously awaiting a visitor.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, George and Edith; two sisters, Dorothy and Ivy; a brother, John; her husband John and grandson John Lourenco. She is survived by three children Fred Highstreet and his wife Karen of Palm Springs California; Don Highstreet and his wife Annie of Chino California; Darlene Stafford and her husband Joe of Urbana Missouri; 6 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; many other relatives, church family and dear friends including her special friend, Mary Alexander.
Eileen was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and caring friend. Losing her parents at such a young age made her cherish family so we celebrate her wonderful life today because this is not her end but her beginning in eternity. We will always cherish the many happy memories she helped create.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the Cantlon Otterness Funeral Home in Urbana with Dr. Gary Urich officiating. Escorts will be Don Highstreet, Ryan Highstreet, Steven Lourenco, Randy Lourenco, John Lourenco, Josh Wisdom, Eric Highstreet, Ryan Sorrel, Cooper Lourenco, and Cruz Lourenco. Honorary escort will be Joe Stafford. Interment will be in the Bower Chapel Cemetery under the direction of the Cantlon Otterness & Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Funeral Home. Condolences and online register book entries may be left at www.cantlonotterness.com.
