In loving memory we celebrate the life of Eileen Pendred Heinrich who graced this world from June 23, 1924 in Au Gres, Michigan until her peaceful passing at her home on June 13, 2026. Eileen was a beacon of love, compassion, and resilience whose presence touched the lives of many.
Born to Walter and Zella Pendred, Eileen was the eldest of twelve siblings, a role she embarked with unconditional love and responsibility. Her early years were marked by nurturing those around her, a testament to her devotion to family-a legacy she carried throughout her life.
Eileen’s journey in education began at Delano School, where she attended through ninth grade culminating in her graduation from Au Gres-Sims High School in 1943 as the Salutatorian of her class.
Some of Eileen’s jobs over the years were working at Jennings Store, Bay City Chevy (during the war), The AuGres Telephone Company and The Arenac County Extension Office. While she enjoyed these various jobs her most important role was as a wife and mother.
She met her husband Ferd Heinrich at the age of 16. After 5 years of dating she married the love of her life on October 13, 1945. She was a loving and faithful wife and their family grew as they welcomed Roger in 1949, Linda in 1955 and Donna in 1956.
Their family of five grew through the years and she left behind their son Roger (Delores) Heinrich, daughters Linda (Keith) Kauffman and Donna (Mark) Herman. 7 grandchildren Jayson Kauffman, Ryan (Nikki) Kauffman, John Herman, Nicole (Jeff) Stewart, Jessica (Matt) Boals, Andrew Heinrich and Matt (Naomi) Herman. As well as 9 great grandchildren Madison, Maximus & Quinn Kauffman, Bennett, Evie & Hayes Stewart and Ava, Audra and Arya Boals.
Eileen leaves behind three sisters: Alice Freehling, Phyllis McGuire and Pauline Duby as well as her sisters in law Noreen Pendred and Cloe Pendred. Along with many nieces and nephews and their extended families.
Eileen is predeceased by her husband, Ferd Heinrich. Her parents, Walter and Zella Pendred, her mother in law and father in law, Elizabeth and Jacob Heinrich. Her sisters,Carol Gotham, Zella Jean Freehling, Elsie Maser and Sue Gotham: and her brothers: Victor, Ross, Walter and Richard Pendred. Her sisters in law: Rosamond Coalson, Linda Schlagel, Bertha Orlang, Joyce Heinrich, JoAnn Heinrich,Evelyn Heinrich and Ruth Pendred. Lastly her brothers in law: Frank Coalson, Elmer Schlagel, Don Orlang, Charlie Heinrich, Herb Heinrich, Neil McGuire, Fritz Freehling, Jack Gotham, Ted Markey, Chuck Duby, Roger Freehling and Clinton Maser. Her departure leaves a profound void, yet her legacy of love and kindness will forever endure in the hearts of those she left behind.
Eileen enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, reading, sewing, quilting and crocheting. She loved her time playing cards with her family. Playing cards with her sisters created many treasured memories Over the years she enjoyedsharing her talents. For 14 years she taught sewing to her 4-H groups. Most recently she has taught crocheting to her “crochet girls”. Her time with her girls became a very cherished weekly event.
.
Visitation will be held Tuesday June 16, 2026 from 4:00- 8:00p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home, 101 E. Michigan Ave., AuGres, MI. 48703.
A service celebrating Eileen’s remarkable life will be held on June 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Chapel in the Park at 328 Saginaw St., Au Gres, MI. 48703. Prior to the service avisitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m.. Burial will be held at the Linwood Cemetery, E. Linwood Rd., Au Gres, MI. 48703. Please join us for a luncheon following at Edmonds’ Inn, 324 E. Huron Rd., Au Gres, MI., 48703
Her family would like to thank all of Eileen’s family and friends for their love and support through this time. A special thank you to the Nurses at Compassus, their guidance and support helped us through these past fewweeks. Lastly, we would like to thank Paul and Ester Proulx, Mom’s amazing neighbors, friends and family who have been so helpful and kind to her all these years. It has always been a comfort to us to know that they were watching out for her.
