Eileen Doig

EILEEN HYLAND DOIG, 89 CHERRY VALLEY - Eileen Hyland Doig, 89, of Cherry Valley, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013, peacefully at home. Born Oct. 29, 1923, to Charles J and Myrtle (Horan) Hyland. Her mother was the Cherry Valley postmaster and her father owned Hyland Brothers grain elevator and was the long term mayor of Cherry Valley. Eileen had three sisters and a baby brother. They all grew up in Cherry Valley and remained close throughout their lives. Eileen graduated from Rockford East High school and attended Loyola University and Patricia Stevens. Her first job was in the Gas and Electric building, and then she proudly served the U.S. Navy during World War II as a WAVE. She married the love of her life, Malcolm Doig on April 8, 1951. Together they raised four children. Eileen was an at home mom who loved to cook and spend time with her family, friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When she married she only moved across the street so she could be close to her mother, whom all admired and adored. She loved her catholic faith and her Irish heritage. The Hyland family was instrumental in creating the original St. Rita's church in downtown Cherry Valley. Nobody came between her family, her friends or her beloved Cherry Valley. Survivors include son, Malcolm; daughters, Debbie (Jim) Rheingans and Marcia (Mark) Wittwer; daughter-in-law, Jana Doig; grandchildren, Lindsey (Dan), Jack, Ciel, Michael and Michelle; great-grandchildren, Leah, Gavin and Jack; sisters, Kay Byrne and Margaret Byers. Eileen was predeceased by her husband, Malcolm; son, David; grandson, Matthew; granddaughter, Crystal; sister, Rose Hyland Sheets and brother, Ed Hyland. We thank Mom's earthly angels, Ana, Mila, Sandy and Lena. Their compassionate care comforted Mom in her final days. Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, in St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knolls Drive, Rockford, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery. In honor of her Irish heritage we will have an Irish celebration of life at Franchesco's Ristorante to toast a beautiful woman and a life well lived! In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Cherry Valley Historical Society, 101 E. State St., P.O. Box 266, Cherry Valley, IL 61016 or Cherry Valley area Men's Club, 3519 Valley Woods Dr., Cherry Valley, IL 61016. To share a memory or online condolence, visit olsonfh.com. Arrangements by Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd.