Eileen J. D'Hondt

Eileen (Malburg) D’Hondt, age 98 passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Vista Springs Washington Place.

Eileen was born at home to Henry and Alice (VanThomme) Malburg on July 14, 1926 in Utica, MI. She was the middle child of 11 children, and worked on the family farm starting at a young age. Eileen loved music and took piano lessons for many years. She once memorized 10 pages of classical music for a piano recital. As a young woman she played the organ at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. On February 19, 1949, Eileen married Maurice D’Hondt. They were married for 70 years.

Eileen and Maurice farmed in Utica and Ray Township for 60 years. Eileen would finish the next days market load in the evening after Maurice left to work afternoons at the steel mill. Eileen helped dig pansies, bale straw, cut cabbage, picked and packed rhubarb, and picked lots and lots of strawberries. In her later years she would decorate hundreds of mini pumpkins and make flower bouquets. Eileen was very creative and could do or make anything!

Eileen was an amazing cook and baker and made dozens of Belgian cookies every year at Christmas to give away to family and friends. Her rhubarb coffeecake and rice pudding were family favorites.

Family meant everything to Eileen and her most important role was Mom, Grandma, and GG. We were so blessed to have her for 98+ years.

Eileen is survived by three children: Dennis (Marietta) D’Hondt, Janet VanHoutte, and Carolyn Hessell (Tom Hancock), 8 Grandchildren, and 14 Great Grandchildren. Eileen is also survived by her wonderful sister Grace DeBruyn.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband Maurice, her Grandson Ben Hessell, 5 brothers and 4 sisters.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 1-8 pm at the Henry M. Malburg Funeral Home in Romeo, MI.

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 10 am, at St. Clement Catholic Church (343 S. Main St, Romeo, MI 48065).