Eileen Doyle Simak, age 64, of Hayward, passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2019 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.  She was born July 12, 1955 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of John Patrick and Helen Ann (Sullivan) Doyle. She was united in marriage to Richard Alexander Simak on February 22, 1986 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Palos Heights, IL.  

Eileen is a beloved member of the Hayward community, and devoted her life in service to the health and wellness of others.  It is impossible to walk around Hayward and not come across someone who has a story of Eileen's bright light and kindness. She strove to improve the health of all, whether it was guiding new mothers, ensuring the safety of the county from emergencies, or fighting to provide assistance to those who needed it most.  Public health was her passion, and she fought hard for the things she believed in. All who were fortunate enough to be touched by her bright light were better for it.  

To know Eileen is to love her.  Eileen represents the epitome of kindness, grace, and strength.  She greeted all with a smile and unbiased warmth. Even through her too-brief battle, she was positive and grateful to the medical professionals she charmed.  The people who took care of Eileen during this time were her people. Those kind souls who, like Eileen, devoted their lives to caring for those in need. 

Eileen served as a nurse for 41 years, including 25 years to the community of Hayward as a public health nurse for Sawyer County, 9 years of which were spent as the Sawyer County Health Officer.  She was a Lactation Educator and Registered Nurse with the Hayward Area Memorial Hospital for 29 years. Her legacy continues on through the lives she touched and the work of those she mentored and inspired.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Richard Simak of Hayward, WI; her daughters, Emily Simak of Milwaukee, WI and Elizabeth Simak of Burlington, VT; her siblings, Jack (Marianne) Doyle of Palos Heights, IL, Michael (Mary Ann) Doyle of Orland Park, IL, Patricia (Daniel) Habisohn of Homer Glen, IL, Mary Ann (Michael) McFadden of Denver, CO, Thomas (Karen Asch) Doyle of Piermont, NY; many nieces, nephews, cherished family, and dear friends. 

Eileen is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at the Hayward Funeral Home, 15571 W County Highway B in Hayward. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 10586 Dakota Street in Hayward, where visitation will be held from 12:00 Noon until the hour of Mass.  Interment will be private.  

Memorials in Eileen's name may be directed to the American Cancer Society and Planned Parenthood.

Last Update: Oct 01, 2019 11:22 am CDT