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BORN
1962
DIED
2014
Eileen Smith Obituary
The desert has lost one of its brightest lights. Eileen Louise Smith, also known as Leenie, 51, passed away on May 20, 2014 at Eisenhower Medical Center of complications from cancer. She was born Oct. 20, 1962 in Waukegan, Illinois, to the late John and Marie DeZoma. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Jeanene. She was married to the late Matthew Smith on July 10, 1993. Eileen was the proud owner of Tootie's Texas Barbeque and was honored that it was recently featured on the Food Network's "Restaurant Impossible" show. Her career in the restaurant business began, along with her late husband, Matt, with the ownership of Leenie's Weenies at COD and Leenie's Cafe. Eileen was a longtime resident of Cathedral City and a big supporter of the Perez Road Business District. She also enjoyed being a member of the Food and Beverage Committee at Mission Hills Country Club. Trips to Hawaii and over 25 cruises, as well as spending time with her Havasu family at the river and Glamis were Eileen's passions. She will be dearly missed by her family and many, many friends who loved her smile, bright eyes and love of life. Her bubbly personality lit up the room, she made everyone's day a little brighter. Eileen treasured her loved ones and is survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, numerous friends and her dogs, Mattie and Buddy, whom she lovingly referred to as her babies. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Animal Samaritans Society.
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Memories and Condolences
for Eileen Smith
Janeth
May 24, 2021
Que Dios la tenga en su gloria, aunque no la conocí si no en el programa de televisión, me pareció una mujer muy emprendedora.
Jaqueline Mata
July 30, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Marc Lawes
August 16, 2014
Eileen and our mutual friends go back to the days at Palm Springs High School. Although I hadn't been close to Eileen since those days I was blessed to have known such a beautiful person and soul. Having seen her in Tootie's 2 and a half years ago; she was just like I remembered, awesome personality, infectious smile and made everyone feel joy who were lucky enough to meet her. You will always have a place in my heart - rest in peace.
Marc Lawes
Cathy R
July 9, 2014
Your light and love will shine forever.
June 5, 2014
Eileen was so upbeat, so kind, so positive, so inspirational. She was so giving an beautiful..she will be an angel among angels.
Wanda Pearl Antes
June 4, 2014
God gave you laughter and joy on the way
When he brought you cousin on one special day
He lent her to you as a gift from His hand
And soon she was known as my cousin Eileen
He drew you beside her you made her your own
And closer you grew even though you'd both grown
You laughed at her humor and cried at her pain
And cuddled her close when the skies brought her rain
She filled up your life with a style all her own
But God chose this time to take her back home
And now you feel sorrow for she's gone to sleep
Your heart harbors deep pain, your eyes often weep
But you must remember she's not far away
You can bring her to life any time, any day
Just think of Eileen and the memories true
And you'll bring her back like she's right next to you
And if you want someone to hold on to
Just remember you'll always have Her bubbly ways to help use threw
But if love heals the hurt, let use help each other to do
Suzanne Levy
June 4, 2014
We will all miss you!
Julie R
June 2, 2014
I will never forget you auntie. She always was happy and always had a smile on her beautiful face. I lost my best friend also my inspiration. May she rest in paradise auntie i love you!
May 30, 2014
Eileen was the real deal. What you saw was what you got. Although I knew her best from the many anecdotes her loving and devoted sister-in-law Debbie shared with me over the years, May 30, 2014
Eileen made me laugh and touched my heart. May she join in peace her loved ones whom have gone before her.
- Lynn Baker -
Lynn Walker
May 30, 2014
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Leenie who left us much too soon. A dear friend with such a big heart and a can-do attitude. I will miss your sunny smiles and warm hugs.
Robert Irvine and the cast and crew of Restaurant: Impossible
May 30, 2014
We are so incredibly saddened by Eileen's passing. She was one of the good ones. She touched all of our hearts and we will remember her fondly.
May 30, 2014
MY FRIEND AND MYSELF WORKED ON THE SET OF THE RESTAURANT IMPOSSIBLE SHOW AND MET EILEEN BRIEFLY. SHE SEEMED TO BE A VERY NICE PERSON AND HOPE TOOTIE'S WILL CONTINUE. SIGNED, JUDY AND KIMBER
Stephanie, Russ, Natasha & Nicole Barsness
May 30, 2014
Never have I met someone with Eileen's sense of happy, through some really tough times. Her smile was infectious. I will always remember the evenings on the patio with you and Matt. Working through the loss of your Mom, Dad, my Dad and Matt, you were always positive! She is with her love Matt, Mom, Dad and sister now. May you rest in Peace.
Patty and Joe Boffa
May 30, 2014
We are sad to see you go so soon and will miss your beautiful smile and positive attitude! We can all keep your spirit alive by spreading the kindness and love you showered on everyone.
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