Eileen Mary (Christ) Cross, a long-time resident of Lansdale, died Sunday, December 30, 2018 at the age of 88. She was the daughter of the late John and Erma (Schmidtknecht) Christ of Waumandee, WI and Winona, MN.
Eileen is preceded in death by her husband John and her eldest brother Gaylord. She was a devoted and much-loved mother and is survived by her five children: Karen Cross and Russ Olsen of Herndon, VA; John Cross and Barbara (Nolan) of Collegeville, PA; Michael Cross of Souderton, PA; Robert Cross and Denise (Petti) of Furlong, PA; and Daniel Cross and Stephanie (Baron) of Souderton, PA. Eileen is also survived by her ten grandchildren, Evan, Michael, Zachary, Jackson, Emily, Alexander, Timothy, Margaret, Jonathan, and Nicholas, and step-grandchildren, Renee and Wayne. She is survived by her sister Dolores Christ Yatooma of Florida, her brother Lillard Christ of Texas; and many nieces and nephews.
Eileen graduated from Arcadia High School, Arcadia, WI and Ray-Vogue School of Design, Chicago. She took night classes in business at the University of Minnesota while she worked at a sportswear manufacturer and also made custom wedding dresses part-time.
Eileen loved to sew. Designing bridal wear was her passion but she also made window treatments, decorator pillows and bed spreads. She traveled all over the USA and Europe and enjoyed the theatre, going to museums and gardening. She was devoted to her grandchildren and designed and made them each a special baby quilt and Christmas ornaments every year.
In September 1960 Eileen married John L Cross at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Winona, Minnesota. Following their marriage they moved to Chestnut Hill, PA and started their family. In 1962 they settled in Lansdale, PA and became members of St. Stanislaus Church. While her children were young Eileen sewed part-time for Bridal World and the decorator department of Lansdale Discount House Fabric store. She became a book-keeper for Wargo Interior Systems, Telford in 1978 and worked there for over 20 years.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the Viewing on Saturday, January 5, 2019 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church at 51 Lansdale Ave, Lansdale, PA 19446 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by burial at St. John Neumann Cemetery at 3797 County Line Rd, Chalfont, PA 18914.
My Aunt Eileen was one of the kindest, most helpful and productive people I know. At age three, I was a flower girl in her wedding but my earliest memory of her was watching her lovingly care for my five Cross cousins. Nothing they asked of her was beyond her desire to please and care for them. Like her own mother, our Grandma Christ, she was soft-spoken, a person of few words, and one of commitment and service to her family. We all knew she was a wonderful seamstress and I have another memory of her looking over fabric with my mother and saying, “Yay, sure we can make a dress from this.” Through hard times, I never recall her complaining or saying an unkind word about anyone. Her faith was strong and I think she believed deeply in God’s will and the power of forgiveness. Rest In Peace, Aunt Eileen. With love, Pegge Bogle
I extend my sympathies to all of my cousins and their families for the loss of your mom. I have always felt esteem for what my Aunt Eileen achieved in her life. To have come from the farm and Arcadia high school to the Windy City and the Vogue design center for her training is quite amazing in any era let alone when she did.
I also remember that anytime she and my Dad got together they would huddle close and chuckle together. She was of that great Christ stock we all share and will be missed. Bless you all in your grief. Love,Terri Christ