Elizabeth Jane Eggleston was called to her heavenly home on the evening of January 2nd, 2021 at the age of 84. Bizzy, as she was affectionately known, was born in Detroit, MI on November 28th, 1936. Along with her sister, Bizzy attended Bishop Strachan School (for girls) in Toronto. As the only American boarders, they left a memorable impression, always treasuring their “BSS” years. Bizzy found her calling as a nurse, and through this vocation she met her husband, Robert L. Eggleston, MD, whom she married in 1959. In the early days of marriage, they served in the Peace Corps in Malaysia, before returning to the U.S. with their young and burgeoning family. They settled in Grand Rapids, MI, the hometown of her husband, in 1966, becoming lifelong parishioners of St. Alphonsus. As her family grew, Bizzy enjoyed many friends in the Grand Rapids and Grand Haven areas, setting down roots that remained strong throughout her life. Her five children were the focus of her life for many years, and later her eleven grandchildren became her passion. Through her care, faith, and love, she was a woman blessed with a joyfully sprawling and continually growing family. Bizzy is survived by her children: Beth Anne Gruizinga, Ted (Rosanne) Eggleston, Bob (Jane) Eggleston, Mary-Eileen (Wayne) Baxter, John (Jennifer) Eggleston; and her grandchildren, Bobby (Kateland) Eggleston, Nick Eggleston, Jacob Baxter, Taylor Gruizinga, Eleanor Eggleston, Ashleigh (Jon) Cieslinski, Giuliana Eggleston, Brandt Gruizinga, Emily Eggleston, Sarah Baxter, and Noah Eggleston. She is also survived by her best friend and sister of 84 years, Mina Patricia Grant, affectionately known as “Pie”; her brother-in-law, Tom (Mary) Eggleston; sisters-in-law, Ann (Paul) Klein, Mary Martha (Ed) Zyniewicz; and many nieces and nephews. Bizzy joins her beloved husband, Dr. Robert “Doc” Eggleston, who preceded her in death in 2004. Bizzy always rose to the challenges of life with a warm smile and a hearty laugh. She had a quick wit, a big heart, and a beautifully generous spirit. She loved hummingbirds, yellow roses, good food, and romantic stories. Her life will be remembered, celebrated, and missed by all who knew her. Bizzy passed away quietly and peacefully, surrounded by her five “eggies”. A private family mass will be held at St. Alphonsus with interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church, 224 Carrier St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505.
2 Responses
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s death. She was a woman of great faith, always at the 5:15 daily Mass with your grandmother, and always very hospitable and welcoming to me in my four years at St. Al’s. Be assured that I am praying for her at Mass this week. May she rest in the peace of her Redeemer!
To the Eggleston family, this is Ray Agrella. I want you to know that I met your dad ,Doc egg and Bizzy in 1960. I was a young Ensign in the US Coast Guard. ….and your dad was the US public health service doctor for the Coast Guard bases .Dac and I hit it off and became as brothers over the following 50years. Your mother was a wonderful person whom I loved dearly …. Doc , Bizzy and I were very close for many years and I missed your dad dearly when he passed ….Now ,sadly, I will also miss your mother dearly. My heartfelt condolences to all of the family. I love you all. Uncle Ray