Eileen Barnett, 76, of Mendota died peacefully in her sleep March 30, 2015, in her home surrounded by her family.

A memorial visitation to celebrate her wonderful life will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday in Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota.

She was born Aug. 3, 1938, in Aurora to Herman and Ellen Tinsley.

She was a multitalented, dog-loving and driven woman who held careers ranging from owner of Penthouse Coiffures Beauty Salon to serving as a pediatric nurse at St. Charles Hospital and as head dietician at Sunnymere Nursing Home in Aurora.

She then retired as the "head hen" painting ceramics in her basement workshop known as The Hen's Roost. She spread her joy to family and friends who enjoyed her delicious cooking, baking, and most memorable cheesecakes.

Eileen and her husband, Bob shared over 50 years of loving marriage. They first lived in Aurora, then moved to a farm near Plano, and finally built their home in Mendota.

Eileen is survived by her husband, Bob of Mendota; one daughter, Cindy of Plano; and one granddaughter, Kelsey of Chicago.