Eileen Anne Phelan, beloved wife, stepmother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in La Quinta, California, on December 12, 2024, at the age of 65.

Born on May 4, 1959, in Detroit, Michigan, Eileen was the cherished daughter of Patrick Joseph Phelan and Olga Yager and stepdaughter to Lorraine Phelan. She grew up alongside her siblings Mora and Sandra Phelan and her step-siblings Jim and Jennifer Hicks. Raised in the Catholic faith, Eileen attended Catholic school through high school, finding strength and solace in her faith throughout her life.

In her young adulthood, Eileen moved to Hawaii, where her adventurous spirit flourished. She embraced hiking, traveling, and even skydiving, making friends wherever she went with her radiant smile and warm sense of humor. In 1988, she settled in La Quinta, California, where she purchased her home and later met the love of her life, William “Bill” Villegas. Their love story began when Bill saw her across a restaurant and knew he had to meet her. Eileen proposed to him in her own creative way with the song "Wedding Bell Blues" by The 5th Dimension. They married on November 23, 1996, and she became a devoted stepmother to Nichole Lynn Arvallo and Ronica Estelle Villegas-Lopez.

Eileen worked in the restaurant industry for over 25 years, earning the admiration of coworkers and employees who became her "work family." She retired in 2018 and pursued her love of cooking, a passion that brought joy to those around her.

Ronica describes Eileen as her Bonus Mom."She was fearless, strong, elegant, and an amazing cook! She was a person who knew what she wanted her life to be and made it happen. She is a mother any girl would be lucky to look up too. I will always miss her "- Roni

Nichole describes her as a connector. "She really was the glue that held so many people together. She gave me a family. Family I never thought I would know. She is a truly humble soul, that I wish I had more time with" - Nikki

Eileen's niece Casi lived with her from 2003 - 2005 "She was amazing, kind and one of the most badass woman I've ever known" - Casi

Living the last of her days with her devoted husband.

"She is, and will forever be the love of my life. She's with Jesus now. I love you baby!" - Bill

She leaves behind her husband Bill; stepdaughters Nichole and Ronica; grandchildren Samuel Joseph (9), Elena Rose (7), Killian Reign (5), and Rowan Grey (2); and countless loved ones who cherished her fearless, elegant spirit.

A small service will be held at Eileen and Bill's residence on Sunday, January 26, 2025. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

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