Eileen Cross Edwards

Eileen Cross Edwards, age 74, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and formerly of Lomita, California passed away on Thursday, June 22, 2023. She was born October 13, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Edward Fitzpatrick and Dorothy Walsh Fitzpatrick.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, nana, sister, auntie as well as a caring and devoted friend. She loved to travel, read, volunteer, host parties, spend time with family and most of all enjoy the happiness of life.

Eileen is survived by her beloved husband of thirty-five years, Phillip Edwards; loving mother to daughters; Jennifer (Matt) Fisher, Missy (Howard) Isaacson, and Fallon (Justin) Byrd; proud nana of four grandchildren; Katie (Fisher), Banyan (Byrd), Leikny (Byrd) and Reyann (Byrd) all of California; beloved sister of Dianne LaMonica (Fitzpatrick), Daniel (Margie) Fitzpatrick, Kevin (Valerie) Fitzpatrick, and Edward Fitzpatrick all of Ohio as well as a loving aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

After completing her education in Ohio, Eileen moved west where she embarked on her career as a customs broker.

Eileen started her volunteer work early on. In 1984, she was excited to serve as a volunteer at the International Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles. She was also a New Years Day Rose Float "Pedal Pusher" for 20 years, decorating the beautiful rose floats in Pasadena, CA. She loved to attend concerts, theater shows, as well as visiting museums. She spent many hours in the sun gardening, poolside and reading countless novels. She also enjoyed being a dog owner, welcoming each furry friend into the family. For many years Eileen was an usher at the Armstrong Theater for the Performing Arts at the Torrance Cultural Center. She was also a member of the Torrance and Lomita's Women's Club. She enjoyed donating her time and talent as a certified clown at Torrance Memorial Hospital, participating in hospital events, parades and magazine shoots along with the circus. Smileen brought much joy and laughter to everyone that was lucky enough to interact with her.

Eileen was a pioneering businesswoman in the field of US Customs Brokerage spanning multiple decades. After many years of working as a licensed customs broker for numerous companies, she went on to start and build her own company in 1988. In 2018, with over 30 years dedicated to the brokerage field, she decided it was time to retire. With her beloved Phil by her side, they moved from their Lomita home of 30 years to Del Webb in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.

In retirement, Eileen continued to always embrace life to the fullest. She enjoyed meeting new people, many of whom became friends for life. Her involvement in multiple clubs brought many new and fun experiences: Women’s Club, Travel Club, Book Club and Wine Club just to name a few. Eileen and Phil participated in the Roadsters and drove their Corvette visiting new locations with new friends. They took drives together to explore their newfound home, enjoying their time with each other tremendously and appreciating all that they had worked many years together building. She loved the swim group, “Water Bugs” as well as celebrating the birthdays on Antebellum Lane by putting out the birthday signs in the front yards and sending emails to the special birthday person. She also participated in DWLP Red Cross Blood Drive as well as finding her stride with the Lifestyle committee at Del Webb. When her calendar was not filled with these activities she continued to travel around the world and to her beloved California and Ohio to visit family and friends.

Eileen’s wishes were to be cremated and have her ashes spread in the Pacific Ocean.

Eileen's family appreciates everyone’s love and prayers as they continue to process this incredible loss in their lives.

West Coast - Celebration of Eileen's life will be at Los Verdes Golf Course in the Vista Ball Room and Catalina Terrace - Rancho Palos Verdes where we will be able to rejoice and remember her together.

7000 West Los Verdes Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Saturday, August 12th, at 11:00 am to 2:00pm

Join the family and celebrate by wearing Eileen’s favorite color Red

Middle Tennessee - Celebration of Eileen’s life will be at Del Web - Lake Providence Club House of Mount Juliet where we will be able to rejoice and remember her together.

1100 Del Webb Blvd., Mt Juliet, TN 37122

Saturday, July 15th, at 10:00am to 12:00pm

Join the family and celebrate by wearing Eileen’s favorite color Red

We will also hold a celebration of life in California in the near future, details will be shared as they become available at this location.

In remembrance, please consider a dedication gift to American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation in Eileen C. Edwards name. A card will be sent to the family notifying them of your donation in Eileen’s name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Neptune Society Edwards family - https://obituaries.neptunesociety.com/obituaries/brentwood-tn/eileen-edwards-11344907

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/nashville-cremation for the Edwards family.