With great sadness, we announce the passing of Eileen Ann McKee (Philander) on January 25, 2025, when she succumbed peacefully to her third battle with cancer.

Eileen was born December 24, 1946, to Eileene &Myron McKee in St. Paul Minnesota. After graduating from St. Joseph’s Academy, she earned a BS in Nursing from St. Catherine’s University, and an MS in Nursing from the University of Minnesota.

She served as assistant to the Dean of Nursing at the U of M and was the liaison between the MN Board of Nursing and the U of M School of Nursing. A tenant to how remarkable she was, Eileen was the first independent nurse practitioner in the field of mental health.

In 1968, Eileen met her husband Dennis Philander at St. Paul’s Regions Hospital. For over fifty years, they partnered in all aspects of life including business ventures, psychiatry, and enduring support of their family.

Wordy, witty, stately, and beautiful, Eileen was fiercely independent, a voracious reader, and an incredible cook. She will be remembered for her devotion to her family, exceptional writing and counseling skills, and love of travel, especially wintering in Santa Barbara. Guided by her integrity and fortitude, she endured life’s hardships and challenges with rare complaint.

She is survived by her children: Christopher (Jennifer), Lisa, Ryan, and Ali (Daniel); twelve grand children; two great-grandchildren; four sisters Joan Fabian (Bill), Mary, Teresa, & Colleen; five brothers Michael (Joyce), Barry (Mary), Patrick (Joan), Thomas, & Robert (Elizabeth); plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Eileen is preceded in death by her parents, brothers William and Myron, sister Kathleen, niece Katie McKee and great-nephew Niall Mergens.

A celebration of life will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 22 at Lakewood Cemetery 3600 Hennepin Ave Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers, Eileen asked that donations be made to St. Catherine’s University Scholarship Fund for Nursing, 2004 Randolph Ave F12 St. Paul, MN 55105 or stkate.edu/give.