Eileen S. Corbett

Eileen Eva Schleelein Corbett, 65, died Saturday, December 1, 2018, at home after a valiant battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved dog Lily. Mrs. Corbett was born July 30, 1953, in Rochester, N.Y., a daughter of the late Johann Baptist “Bob” and Eva Schleelein. She graduated from Fredonia High School and received her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Buffalo and her Master’s Degree in Science from Case-Western University. She was also a member of MENSA and worked as a registered dietician and a high school Biology teacher. Of German descent, Mrs. Corbett spoke German and visited her relatives in Germany and also traveled extensively to Germany, Poland, Yugoslavia, and most recently to Israel including the Holy Land, and to France. On May 25, 2001, Eileen married the love of her life, University of South Carolina business professor, Allen Powell Corbett, with whom she had many adventures until his death in 2017. She loved her Catholic faith, her friends and her pets. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Linde S. Bergen. Surviving are her siblings, Robert Schleelein (Lisa) of Ithaca, N.Y., Barbara Schleelein (Jerry) of Rochester, N.Y., Carl Schleelein (Josephine) of Orchard Park, N.Y., and Eric Schleelein (Flora) of San Francisco, CA; nieces and nephews, Derek G. Schleelein, Anna S. Richardson, Michael Schleelein and Lara S. Karachristos. Eileen also leaves behind numerous members of her “chosen family” meaning her extraordinary circle of friends whom she loved and who loved her. Her staunch faith and the support of her faith community has been remarkable. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 6th, at 10:30 o’clock at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3512 Devine Street, Columbia. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. A Rosary will begin at 5 o’clock and visitation until 7 o’clock on Wednesday evening at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel. The family wishes to express its gratitude to the many people who have done so much to show their love and support. Memorial Masses may be requested at any Catholic Church for the repose of Eileen’s soul, or donations in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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Eileen S. Corbett

July 30, 1953 - December 1, 2018