Eileen J. DeCrane

Eileen J. DeCrane, age 79, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully early Monday morning in Union Hospital at Dover, following an extended illness. Born at Cleveland, Ohio on July 15, 1926, Eileen was a daughter of the late Ernest and Gertrude Kessler Cornelius. In 1945, she graduated from East High School at Cleveland. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Eileen will be long remembered for her support of her family and their interests. She was past president of St. Joseph’s Mothers Club, and was active at many Central Catholic Social Activities. Eileen was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Eileen and the late Robert E. DeCrane were married on April 30, 1949. Together the couple reared five children; Cindy (Frank) Alesiano of Dover, Tricia (David) Fitch of New Philadelphia, Robert E. (Beverly) DeCrane Jr. of Boynton Beach, Florida, Richard A. (Debbie) DeCrane of Coral Springs, Florida, and Arthur J. (Elizabeth) DeCrane of Powell, Ohio. The couple observed their forty-seventh wedding anniversary before his death in August of 1996. Mrs. DeCrane will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, Richard Jr. and Robert DeCrane, Eric and Kelsey DeCrane all of Florida, Michael and Mallory Alesiano of Dover, Jennifer Fitch of New Philadelphia, and Kelley, Blake and Kyle DeCrane of Powell, Ohio. One sister, Betty Cornelius of Chardon, Ohio; a brother, Ray (Charolette) Cornelius of Chardon, Ohio; and two sisters-in-law, Marie Cornelius of Chardon, Ohio and Mary DeCrane of Fairview Park, Ohio complete the family. In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. DeCrane was preceded in death by a brother, Ernest Cornelius Jr. and two sisters, Laverne and Carol.Friends are invited to call Wednesday evening from 5 until 8 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at 5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover where Father Ed Keck will lead a rosary service at 9 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday morning at 10:30 in Sacred Heart Church. Family and friends will meet at the Geib Funeral Center at Dover by 10 AM for prayers prior to processing to the church for mass. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following the committal service, a reception will be given in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Catholic High School, 777 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia OH 44663, or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 332 North Lauderdale Street, Memphis, TN, 38105.