Eileen Stendig

On May 26, 2016, surrounded by family, Eileen Miller Stendig passed away from complications related to stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. She lived a rich and courageous life dedicated to family, community service, and education.   Wife of Joseph L. Stendig who predeceased her, she leaves behind a beautiful legacy which includes 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Her license plate read “Eileen 5”, and to her, family was what mattered most.  She was born in the Bronx, NY on October 12, 1931, daughter of Charles & Minnie Miller who were Russian immigrants. Eileen came of age during WWII when she lost her brother Leonard Miller, a medic, in the war. She was a graduate of Barnard College and went on to marry Joseph Stendig.   Shortly after her marriage, they moved south to Myrtle Beach, SC, and in 1959 moved to Danville, VA, a community which became the beneficiary of her vast commitment to public service.  One of Eileen’s fondest achievements was co-founding the Danville Reading Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people who never learned to read. On many occasions, students would return years later to thank her for helping them get their lives back on track.   A dedicated teacher, she also introduced a pioneering French language program into the Danville Public School system in the 1960’s, teaching French at both Woodberry Hills Elementary School and later at George Washington High School.   Also in the 1960’s Eileen was a civil rights activist at a time when it was not popular in the South.   She, alongside her husband, participated in civil rights marches, and broke racial barriers in their business at the original Holiday Inn, serving African American patrons at a time when that was considered taboo.   Eileen served on many boards and civic groups and was the “go to” person if a fundraising drive was in order. Two of her biggest accomplishments in this regard, were raising funds to launch the Danville Science Center and setting up the DCC Scholarship Fund as part of the Community Foundation.  Eileen lived according to her values. Her generosity of spirit and resources helped earn her community respect which also eventually helped to melt religious barriers toward Jewish people. She was a proud member of Temple Beth Shalom and even served as the first woman president of the congregation. Her life of service helped bridge understanding and respect between differing religions and races.   Eileen was a beloved member of many organizations including the League of Woman Voters, where she served as president; the Danville Arts Council; the Rotary Club where she also served as president; and the Wednesday Club. A well-rounded person, she was an avid tennis player and founding member of the Stratford Tennis Club. Finally, Eileen’s story would not be complete without mention of her wonderful sense of style.   She loved all things beautiful and created beauty in her environment. Among her much beloved creations were the original Holiday Inn, which later became the Stratford Inn, and the Holiday Inn Restaurant, which was the premier dining spot in town from the early 1960’s thru the early 1990’s.   Eileen was an accomplished cook and even pioneered bringing sour cream to Danville in the 1960’s when it was virtually impossible to purchase it!   She had style and panache with everything she touched whether it was her own beautiful appearance, or the many interiors she decorated. Her taste was impeccable.   Eileen’s warm personality touched many hearts, and she was deeply loved by all her children and grandchildren, not to mention a whole host of very special friends and extended family. She is survived by her children, Betsy Stendig Cook together with husband Vern Cook, Lenny Stendig, Dan Stendig together with his wife Lisa Coffey Stendig, Sarah Stendig Wood together with her husband Eric Wood, and Lisa Faye Stendig.   She is also survived by grandchildren Charlie Cook, Sophie Cook together with husband Michael Ciccarone, Gil Stendig together with wife Jessica Stendig, Shelley Stendig together with partner Jeff Cahn, Eli Stendig, Lily Stendig, and Joseph Clifford Wood, along with two bonus grandchildren Samantha & Elizabeth Wood. She also leaves two great granddaughters—Mirele Cook Ciccarone and Sydney Stendig, plus two bonus great grandchildren Simon & Isabelle Cahn.   Eileen is also survived by sister-in-law Lola Stendig Lea, who was the sister she never had, and niece Jennie Clegg with her husband Campbell, and daughters Rachel & Zelda Clegg (grand-nieces). Russian cousins Dina Feldman Leader and Igor Feldman and their families also survive Eileen. Extended family are too numerous to mention, but were also close to Eileen’s heart.  Her funeral will be on Friday May 27, 2016 at 3pm at Temple Beth Shalom at 129 Sutherlin Ave, Danville, VA. A graveside service will follow at Green Hill Cemetery and then a reception at Temple Beth Shalom. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Danville Community Foundation, DCC, or Temple Beth Shalom to honor her humanitarian spirit. ?