Eileen Nelis

Eileen Nelis of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on December 1, 2024. In her final days she was surrounded by the love of her daughter Caitlen, son-in-law Tommy, her grandchildren, Sterling and Jules, and other family members. Eileen entered this world on April 30, 1957, in Rochester, NY, one of nine children born to John and Mary Nelis. The bonds shared with her family and friends were a source of great pride throughout her life. Eileen was a fiercely dedicated and loving single mother. She was a constant role model of strength, resilience, and selflessness, always ensuring that Caitlen was surrounded by love and support. Her unwavering devotion to her daughter was evident to all who knew her. For more than a decade Eileen has been a loving and gentle caretaker to her mother Mary, as she was for her father and brother, John, when they needed her most. Mary has remained her greatest friend and confidant. Eileen’s love for her grandsons was immeasurable. She reveled in creating treasured memories they would enthusiastically recount. She fostered their enjoyment of the outdoors through biking, swimming, and playing games in the backyard. “Bean Bean” was always present, guiding her grandsons with her patient spirit and generous heart (and, of course, spoiling them with extra story time and too many treats). Her love for Sterling and Jules was unmatched, she was their greatest cheerleader. After graduating from Charlotte Catholic High School, Eileen attended Belmont Abbey College where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree. She earned her degree while also working full-time and raising Caitlen. Eileen’s ability to balance so much was a powerful example of her determination, she was a constant inspiration to all who knew her. While many may have seen her journey as overwhelming, she tackled each obstacle with unwavering focus. Eileen was renowned for her kindness, warmth, and remarkable ability to make everyone she met feel truly valued and important. Her generous spirit, genuine care for others, and selflessness left an enduring impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. Throughout her career as a realtor, she helped hundreds of families find their dream home. Over 20 years ago, Eileen became an integral part of Savvy & Co. during its early days, dedicating her time, talents, and heart to the business’s growth and success. Eileen was a passionate admirer of the performing arts, volunteering as an usher for more than a decade with Central Piedmont’s Performing Arts Department. She encouraged local artists and supported their creativity at every opportunity. Additionally, Eileen was an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church, where she worked as a Wedding Director for over 15 years. Eileen is survived by a large and adoring family, her daughter, Caitlen Nelis-Masters (Tommy); grandsons, Sterling and Jules Masters; mother, Mary Nelis; siblings, Maureen Nelis, Tom Nelis (Cindy), Donna Nelis; Diane Burke; Joseph Nelis; Patty Nelis (Bill); Mariellen Nelis (Guy); and nieces and nephews, Ryan (Liza) and Erin Burke (Jamie), Rosemary Nelis, Connor Johnson, Alexis Chang Nelis, Gracelyn and Charlotte Ross; and great-nephew Rory Newsome. And two very loving aunts and one uncle, Patricia Hynes and Cathy Pfeiffer (Frank), and many beloved cousins across PA, NJ, CA and Ireland. She was predeceased by her father, John Nelis; brother, John Joseph Nelis; niece Siobhan Nelis-Hever; and aunts, Sister Margaret Hynes, Sister Josephine Hynes, and Mary Louise Ferry. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you help support the ongoing efforts to restore the communities of WNC with donations to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Western North Carolina, World Central Kitchen, and Manna Food Bank. Eileen's light and love will continue to inspire and guide all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will be deeply and truly missed, but never forgotten. Visitation Sunday, December 15, 2024 6:00pm Savvy & Company 1920 E. 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 330-8326 Mass of Christian Burial Monday, December 16, 2024 2:00pm St. Peter Catholic Church 507 S. Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202 (704) 332-2901

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