Eileen Steensen

Eileen Rose Steensen died on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 after a lengthy illness. She was born in Toledo, OH to Lily and Harry Andrew Steensen on July 14, 1923. She graduated Valedictorian from Scott High School in Toledo and earned BA and MA degrees in French from Columbia University in New York. She was a very accomplished pianist having studied with Robert and Gaby Cassadesus in Paris and in the United States. During WWII she traveled with a U.S.O. group in the U.S. to Europe and Egypt to perform duo-piano with Indera Iturbi. Before moving to Dallas she taught French at Columbia University. She taught piano at S.M.U. for 9 years and played many solo performances in and around the Dallas area. She was a much loved French teacher at Highland Park High School for 25 years. Eileen was a member of Highland Park Presbyterian Church having belonged to the Women's Night Circle Group. She was a world traveler, a member of Chi Omega, Pro Musica, Ye Merrie Olde Players, Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary, Phi Beta Kappa, and Intertel, as well as part owner of the "Party Cookie."

She was preceded in death by her parents. Ms. Steensen is survived by cousins, Heather Currie, Georgia Rowen, Ginny and Galen Whiteman, Lois and Charles Steensen, Melanie Rowen, David and Rob Williams, and by many friends whom she loved and who loved her. A special thank-you to her loving caregivers; Barbara Gilbert, Carolyn Cheatham, Sandra Culpepper , and Adah Starling who did everything they could everyday to make her days joy filled.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 23 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Sparkman Hillcrest. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 24, in the Northwest Chapel at Sparkman Hillcrest. Interment will be at a later date in Toledo, OH. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or to the charity of your choice.