Seventeen years ago, I sat in a room filled with beautiful woman throwing a bridal shower for me here in Corpus Christi… here out on the island to be exact. Eileen was living in California and planning to come to our wedding but she couldn’t come to my bridal shower. I was so surprised to be handed a gift that she Eileen had shipped to my friends to give me…she had taken time to prepare a photo album filled with pictures of her son, Philip from birth till he left home. I was so touched. She made a great impression on me, her future daughter to be. But even more than that she knew how to express love and embrace me as her own daughter…the daughter she never had.
Ten years ago, we moved her here to Corpus Christi. It was a hard time on her having to hand over a few of her independences for her own sake. I took on the full responsibility of ensuring her needs were taken care of and that all of her affairs were in order. I can honestly say that I was not overjoyed with this new responsibility at the time and our first baby on the way. I embraced her nonetheless.
Over time she grew to trust me more and more and began to see that I genuinely cared for her and loved her. The trust she had in me was such an honor. Over the years we grew to have a very special relationship. She enjoyed being a part of our growing family and one by one each grandchild had a very special place in her heart. She loves each them so much. Her face lit up with joy upon seeing me and the kids showing up for visits. She was so proud of us and quick to share with everyone these were her grandkids I was her daughter. I loved watching how she interacted with Lindsey, Brooke and Chase. She loved chatting with them, telling stories and making them laugh. She was always a kid at heart herself…from the love she had for animals (whether real or stuffed toys) to the love she had for sweets.
She kept a positive attitude and always made people feel right at home with her charm and knack for conversation. She was quite the conversationalist. I was so blessed that she understood my sense of humor and played off of it with me. Even during the difficult and challenging times she managed to crack a joke or say something to make you smile.
Eileen and I shared a very special relationship with one another. But most importantly we shared a relationship with Christ. Nothing brought her more comfort than to read the bible and devotionals, pray together and sing songs about the love of Jesus. I have a peace knowing that she no longer has to endure the pain of this world but now dances with joy in the arms of Christ. And that sweet dimpled smile and sparkle in her eye shines more than ever for eternity. I love you, Eileen. Thank you for the honor of being your only daughter and thank you for loving me. I will miss you more than you can imagine. Enjoy your celebration in heaven my sweet mom, friend and sister in Christ. One day I will see you again and we will have many laughs together once more and share the joy of the Lord together forever! I love you Mom!
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Ten years ago, we moved her here to Corpus Christi. It was a hard time on her having to hand over a few of her independences for her own sake. I took on the full responsibility of ensuring her needs were taken care of and that all of her affairs were in order. I can honestly say that I was not overjoyed with this new responsibility at the time and our first baby on the way. I embraced her nonetheless.
Over time she grew to trust me more and more and began to see that I genuinely cared for her and loved her. The trust she had in me was such an honor. Over the years we grew to have a very special relationship. She enjoyed being a part of our growing family and one by one each grandchild had a very special place in her heart. She loves each them so much. Her face lit up with joy upon seeing me and the kids showing up for visits. She was so proud of us and quick to share with everyone these were her grandkids I was her daughter. I loved watching how she interacted with Lindsey, Brooke and Chase. She loved chatting with them, telling stories and making them laugh. She was always a kid at heart herself…from the love she had for animals (whether real or stuffed toys) to the love she had for sweets.
She kept a positive attitude and always made people feel right at home with her charm and knack for conversation. She was quite the conversationalist. I was so blessed that she understood my sense of humor and played off of it with me. Even during the difficult and challenging times she managed to crack a joke or say something to make you smile.
Eileen and I shared a very special relationship with one another. But most importantly we shared a relationship with Christ. Nothing brought her more comfort than to read the bible and devotionals, pray together and sing songs about the love of Jesus. I have a peace knowing that she no longer has to endure the pain of this world but now dances with joy in the arms of Christ. And that sweet dimpled smile and sparkle in her eye shines more than ever for eternity. I love you, Eileen. Thank you for the honor of being your only daughter and thank you for loving me. I will miss you more than you can imagine. Enjoy your celebration in heaven my sweet mom, friend and sister in Christ. One day I will see you again and we will have many laughs together once more and share the joy of the Lord together forever! I love you Mom!
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Eileen Carol Rice, 77, went to be with her heavenly father August 3, 2010. Eileen was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on October 9, 1932 to Donald and Ruth Rice. She graduated from Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Eileen was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in which she was very active. She later became very active with the Crystal Cathedral Ministry in Garden Grove California. Eileen was married to Ernest Sylvester Madland from 1960 to 1975 and worked as a secretary for most of her life. Besides working for various churches over the years, she worked for companies such as John Morrell & Co. and Auto Club of Southern Calif. However, Eileen spent most of her career working for the University of California at Irvine in the Microbiology Department from 1975 through the mid-1990’s. Eileen maintained a great sense of humor and loved to have fun. She enjoyed people and had many good close friends. She enjoyed traveling, reading, music, television, movies, sports and cooking but mostly she enjoyed taking part in church related activities and serving others whenever she could. Eileen spent her past 10 years living in Corpus Christi, TX. Eileen was the mother of two sons, Thomas Jay North (48) currently of San Antonio, TX and Philip Lee Madland (47) of Corpus Christi, TX. She had one daughter-in-law, Anna (Sylvia) Madland and three grandchildren, Lindsey, Brooke and Chase Madland all of Corpus Christi. Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and one sister.
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