Eileen Jean Cain was born in Franksville, Wis., to Ottilia and John Spang. She was the youngest of six children. Eileen graduated from nursing school at Milwaukee County General Hospital in 1939. From 1942 to 1946, she was a nurse anesthetist in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. While she was stationed in Big Springs, Texas, she took care of an Air Force bombardier, Bill Cain, whom she married in 1946. They had six children between 1947 and 1957. When the youngest of her children entered elementary school, Eileen returned to nursing as an administrator and as a consultant. After moving from San Antonio to the first addition of Lake Oswego in 1993, Eileen joined the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center where she worked on many fundraising projects. She also became a parishioner at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church where she participated in the 49ers. Volunteering, advocacy and charitable giving were necessary and rewarding parts of Eileen's life and she found many occasions to apply her varied interests. Eileen was an adventurer who understood that adventure could be found not only in kayaking in Alaska at the age of 80, but also in a walk around the block. She loved to travel and hear about others' travels. She had a deep appreciation of nature and spent time hiking, gardening and watching the birds visit her feeders. Her abiding faith was the foundation upon which she built a long, productive, happy life. In 2005 Eileen moved to Mary's Woods in Lake Oswego where she lived until her death. At Mary's Woods she enjoyed painting classes, poker, dancing and golfing. She volunteered on the Residents Council and the Health Committee. She was grateful to live in a community of exceptional people who became her friends. Eileen leaves behind many friends and family including her daughters, Candice O'Denver (Robert Feinberg), Colleen Cain (Philip Miller) and Patricia Cain (Rick Johnson); and sons, John Cain (Becky) and Kevin Cain (Kim). Her indomitable spirit will survive in her 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Bill, Eileen was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Cain. Eileen's family would like to thank Dr. Mark McKinstry, the community of Mary's Woods and the staff of the Marie Rose Center for their support and care. A memorial service will be held in February in the chapel at Mary's Woods, Lake Oswego. Eileen's family will gather this summer to spread Bill's and her ashes in Big Elk Meadow near Estes Park, Colo., where the two fell in love. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Lake Oswego Adult Community Center, 505 G St., Lake Oswego, OR 97034; or Mary's Woods Resident Fund, P.O. Box 411, Marylhurst, OR 97036.

Published in The Oregonian on February 6, 2011