Eileen Boevers Obituary

A tragic loss for Gerry, David, Jessica, and family. For the theater family also a great loss. Teaching at Niles West and working as a costume designer and maker on some plays directed by Eileen, was a memorable experience! She was a delightful colleague and friend. She will be greatly missed.

Dear Jerry & Family:

While we've never met, I had the privilege and honor of having Eileen as a teacher at Niles West in the late 60's. By no means, was I her best student. But she must have brought out something in me as I have been somewhat of a "cut-up" ever since.

Just a few years ago, I renewed acquaintances with her, visiting her at Apple Tree. She couldn't remember me that well but that didn't matter. We had a nice meeting and she impressed me with what she had accomplished at Apple Tree.

There are several memories I'll have of her, compared to the many more you will. But, we will have one thing in common---knowing how enlightening it was to be around her.

May your love of her, comfort you in the days ahead.

Jerry, I am saddened with the news of Eileen’s passing. Yet my heart smiles when I recall her life at Niles West. Eileen invited the Gymnastics Team to be in one of her shows…. a breakthrough for its time, bringing arts and athletics together. I will never forget the creativity, energy, and enthusiasm she unleashed so others could be in the spotlight. I saw these qualities again at Apple Tree. Eileen is one of those pillars who supports our great society. Thank you, Eileen and thank you, Jerry for encouraging Eileen to live her dreams and enable others to live theirs.

Our Condolences to the entire Boevers family. I really didn't know Eileen personally, but after years of working with Gerry and a few years of our son Matthew in the kids' troupe, I know she was a wonderful talent with a gift that touched many lives.

Dear Jerry,

We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Nancy and I are currently out of the country and will return on 1/31. I will try to contact you upon return. Know that you and yours are in our prayers. You have suffered a great loss. We will remember Eileen for her indefatiguable presence and her impact on humanity and the humanities.

Love,
The Turrys

Dear Gerry, Please accept my condolences. Eileen's contribution to Chicago-area theater was considerable and you were so very proud of her many accomplishments. Liz sent me the article from the Tribune.

My deepest condolences to Gerry and the family & to Lois on the untimely loss of Eileen. She was truly a legend in her time.

My deepest condolences to the whole family. Eileen was such a wonderful, talented, passionate artistic leader... inspiring children to excel to their highest potential. I loved playing piano for her Workshop classes many years ago. Eileen's spirit of enthusiasm was contagious; you could feel the joy in the room as the youth learned musical numbers.

Thank you, Eileen, for touching so many lives with your love of the theatre. You will be missed.

Eileen will be missed. She made the world much brighter and influenced thousands. What a legacy. I knew her when I served as her house manager at Apple Tree. Your lives will be enriched by having shared in hers.

In 1973 Eileen Boevers gave me the role of Oliver in the Wilmette Children's theater production. It was my first play and Eileen molded me into the perfect Oliver. Without her devotion and hard work I could not have done it. I will always remember her. My condolences to the Boevers Family.

Dear Lois,
We are so sorry to hear the very sad news of your beloved Eileen. You are in our thoughts and in our hearts. Our condolences to Bee and Eileen's husband and children

In high school, Eileen Zelznick Boevers was a force to be reckoned with and was an inspiration to untold numbers of impressionable teens. Through her, a world of possibilities opened as we learned to push our limitations and exceed our comfort zones. Through her English and drama classes -- and by her example, she taught us to set lofty goals and not give up in trying to achieve them. Because she believed in us, we learned to believe in ourselves and expand our boundaries. She went on to expand hers when she left Niles West, but always had time to chat with her former students. In life, her energy and vivacity burned bright, always with a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her face. Now like the brightest stars from above -- her spirit shines down on all she made feel like stars. She will be sorely missed.

Sincerest condolences to her husband, Gerry, David and Jessica, and your family. We share your loss and your pain. Heartfelt sympathies to you all.

I wish to express my condolences to the family and many, many friends (I being one of them) of Eileen. I had the pleasure of working with her when she taught at Elm Place School in Highland Park. My wife Joyce and I also enjoyed our many visits to Apple Tree theater. Eileen will be missed also by the theater community of Chicago to which she contributed so much.