Eileen Roberta Harrison

Eileen Roberta Harrison passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the age of 77 after battling a brain tumor. Born Eileen Roberta Borgondy on December 18, 1948, she was the cherished daughter of Emabel Minnie (Brady) Borgondy and Robert Zolton Borgondy, who many knew as “Bobby-Z.” Her life was one beautifully rooted in faith, family, friendship, hospitality, and love — a life lived fully and generously until the very end.

Eileen grew up in Lincoln Park, Michigan, in the very home that stood next door to the one where she would later raise her own family. Deeply connected to her roots, she carried the warmth and traditions of her childhood throughout her life. Her family owned and operated the beloved Borgondy Meat Market in Lincoln Park for many years, a place filled with fond community memories made over the savory aroma of cooked meats. As children, Eileen and her siblings would playfully sneak into the meat cooler, seeing who could last the longest before the cold chased them out laughing.

Eileen graduated from Lincoln Park High School with the Class of 1966 and then attended Virginia Farrel school of Cosmetology. She worked as a beautician in Northport, MI enjoying the beauty of the Leelanau Peninsula. For years to come, she gave haircuts to family and friends, including her great-nieces and -nephews since they were toddlers. After working as a beautician, she continued her education at Baptist Bible Institute (now Cornerstone University) and Western University, where she studied Occupational Therapy. She worked in the medical field as a valuable employee in the medical business offices, bringing the same dedication and care to her work that she gave to every aspect of her life.

Eileen took some wonderful trips in her life, including a cycling trip with Wandering Wheels through Novia Scotia and many trips with her mom to visit family in Pennsylvania, see plays in Canada, and visit the Grand Canyon. But in 1980 came the best trip of her life. A simple visit to California changed the course of her life forever. While visiting a dear friend in Brentwood, California, Eileen met David. He immediately knew she was “the one” from the moment he set eyes on her. Captivated by her radiant personality and beauty both inside and out, David asked her out the day they met — and from that day forward, he never wanted to let her out of his sight. She was something truly special and captivated his heart. Their love story became one of true partnership and balance. David was thoughtful and steady; Eileen was spontaneous and full of a joyful sparkle, always seeing the best in every situation. Together they created a life overflowing with adventure, laughter, and devotion.

Eileen chose to stay in California, where she and David married in 1984. Deeply in love, they began building their family and welcomed their beloved daughter, Monica Helene Harrison. Following Eileen’s heartfelt prayer to be closer to family and raise Monica surrounded with love, in 1992 the two decided to make the move to Michigan. Side-by-side, they built a beautiful life grounded in faith and family. Eileen and David were not only husband and wife, but truly best friends who enjoyed every chapter of life together.

Eileen is survived by her devoted husband, David Harrison; her treasured daughter, Monica Helene Harrison (Andrew Hicks); her brother, Courtney Borgondy (Willemiena); her sister, Edy Borgondy; her nephew, Noah Borgondy; her niece, Mackenzie Batterbee; and her adored grand-dog, Hershel.

As an only child, Monica shared an extraordinarily close bond with her parents. Eileen’s entire world revolved around being a mother, and she poured her heart into every moment of Monica’s life. The three of them did everything together, creating a closeness that only deepened as Monica grew into adulthood. Whether it was family vacations or simply sharing everyday moments together, Eileen always looked forward to spending time with her family. She treasured even the simplest routines and found joy in just being together. Eileen and Monica were not only mother and daughter, but best friends — sharing daily conversations, life lessons, infectious laughter, heartfelt talks, family traditions, and the ups and downs that life inevitably brings. Eileen was Monica’s safe place, greatest encourager, and constant source of wisdom and true comfort. Through countless hours spent side-by-side in the kitchen, Monica inherited her mother’s love for baking and cooking, learning treasured family recipes, creative instincts, and the joy of making others feel loved through food. The bond they shared was one built on unconditional love, trust, friendship, and a deep appreciation for life’s ordinary yet meaningful moments together.

Eileen possessed a magnetic spirit that naturally drew people to her. David often joked that when he introduced her to his circle of friends, she quickly became everyone’s favorite. No matter where she went, people gravitated toward her warmth, kindness, humor, and spontaneity. She had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcomed, valued, and loved.

She was extraordinarily gifted in the kitchen — a true blend of Ina Garten warmth and Martha Stewart creativity. Eileen baked magnificent cookies, cakes, and pies completely from scratch, mastered the perfect pie crust, and could instinctively combine ingredients in ways that somehow always worked beautifully. When she discovered a love for bundt cakes, she famously baked a different one every day simply for the joy of it. Cooking was her art form, and she delighted in sharing it with others, often sending baked goods and homemade dishes to neighbors and loved ones simply to brighten their day.

Her love of cooking and baking came from her beloved mother, Emabel, with whom she shared an inseparable bond. The two were best friends, speaking constantly on the phone and living side-by-side for many years. Eileen and David lovingly cared for Eileen’s parents, continuing the deep family ties that meant so much to her throughout her life. The family cherished mornings spent at her parents’ home for breakfast and carried those memories tenderly.

Eileen loved to see the beauty in watching things grow. Her garden flourished, especially with a variety of tomatoes and colorful flowers every summer. One treasured family tradition involved bringing in and frying up the first green tomatoes of the season and toasting them with champagne in celebration of summer’s arrival.

Eileen, David, and Monica especially loved traveling to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, including cherished trips to Tahquamenon Falls and Mackinac Island. They often stayed at the same favorite hotel each trip, creating traditions filled with laughter, nature, and a carefully selected book to read aloud together for each special trip. Another fondly remembered family story was the moment Eileen jumped into a swimming pool fully adorned in her bathrobe and hair ready for the day — to rescue Monica — who had decided she no longer needed her water wings to swim, but promptly sank to the bottom of the deep end. After that, Eileen and David knew it was time to properly teach Monica how to swim.

Above all else, Eileen’s faith guided her life and her love for Christ shined wherever she went. For the past decade, she was deeply involved in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), where she served as a devoted leader and mentor. She poured countless hours each week into prayer, study, counseling, and preparing lessons for the women she served. Her faith journey brought her immense joy and purpose, and through BSF she formed some of the deepest friendships of her life. She approached others with compassion, wisdom, and genuine care, always seeking to encourage and uplift those around her.

Eileen was spontaneous, creative, intelligent, and wonderfully joyful. She taught others through the way she lived — generously, joyfully, faithfully, and with an open heart. Her stunning hazel eyes reflected her warmth, spirit, and sparkle; and she carried herself with a grace that made people feel instantly at ease.

She lived well. She loved deeply. She ended well.

To know Eileen was to experience kindness, laughter, comfort, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in every shared meal, every flourishing garden, every act of hospitality, and every person fortunate enough to have been loved by her.

She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 3:30 PM until time of service at Solosy Funeral Home, Lincoln Park.

Funeral Service will begin at 6:30 PM.

She will laid to rest the follow day at Mt. Carmel Cemetery in Wyandotte.