Eileen Tapp

Memorial Service: Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church in Colstrip

Interment: will be at a later date

Eileen Marie Tapp, age 80 of Colstrip, Montana passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at the Rosebud Health Care Center in Forsyth.

Eileen was born on May 2, 1928 in Oak Park, Illinois, the daughter of James Joseph and Violet Frances (VanKirk) Kirwan. She was raised and attended schools in northwestern Chicago and Notre Dame High School for girls. After her schooling, Eileen worked as a file clerk at an insurance company and it was while working there that she met the love of her life, Donald L. Tapp. The couple eloped to Norton, Kansas where they were married on January 13, 1949. They returned to Chicago where she worked as a waitress for a short time until the birth of their daughter, Donna Marie. The family moved to Denver, Colorado where Don worked for the Honeywell Corporation. While there, their two sons where born; Thomas Edward and Steven Edward. In 1975, they moved to Billings, Montana and Eileen briefly worked as a secretary. Nine years later, in 1984, they moved to Colstrip, Montana where they have resided ever since. Eileen and Don had the privilege of celebrating their 60th Anniversary together in January of this year. Eileen was a member of the United Community Church in Colstrip and was active in the womans circle. She enjoyed camping with the family, reading, watching NASCAR and had a real passion for collecting frogs.

Eileen is survived by her husband, Donald L. Tapp, of Colstrip, MT, a daughter, Donna Marie Hawkins, of Englewood, CO and her children; Kevin and Christopher Keller and Heather Heater, two sons; Thomas Edward Tapp of Thornton, CO and his children; Jason and Tiffany Tapp, and Steven Edward Tapp and his wife Diana of Elizabeth, CO and their children; Danny and Autumn, a sister Frances Donleavy of Tucson, AZ, seven great grandchildren and one great great grand child, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers; James Joseph Jr. and Thomas Edward.The family has requested that in lieu of flowers; memorials be made to the United Community Church of Colstrip.