Eileen L. Schley

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Eileen L. Schley, 89, born January 3, 1933, died July 16, 2022.

Eileen L. Machan Schley was a beloved mother, grandmother, and recently, great-grandmother, who was as devoted to her family as they were to her. She founded Halo Nurses, a not-for-profit organization that employed retired nurses to give non-medical and stress-management care to hospitalized patients. It was the type of care that she felt was scarce in current-day hospitals, and what came to her naturally as a registered nurse. Her legacy at HALO carries on to this day at Akron General–Cleveland Clinic.

She was born Eileen Lenore Battershell in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and attended nurse’s training at St Luke’s Hospital in Cleveland. She was class president in 1954. Early on, she moved to Cuyahoga Falls, where she remained for the rest of her life. She was married in 1955 to Russell D. Machan, now deceased, and later re-married Kenneth E. Schley, also deceased.

Eileen Schley was a loving, compassionate caregiver to all around her. She maintained her naturally sunny outlook, rarely if ever complaining. In her later years, she had some health challenges but thanks to the devoted help and personal sacrifices of her two sons, David and William Machan, she was able to enjoy the last years of her life in her own home. It’s likely that their dedication in providing excellent care extended her life for at least three years.

She was a highly accomplished bridge player achieving silver master status, and she played bridge weekly at the Cuyahoga Falls Women’s Club with many of her wonderful friends. She was game to try just about anything - including exotic travel. She traveled down the Amazon River in a boat that kept breaking down, was charged by a bull elephant in Africa, and loved having monkeys crawl all over her in Thailand. She was active, riding her bicycle and swimming as long as she was able. A highlight of many summers was attending Chautauqua Institution, in Chautauqua, NY, where she would come together with her mother, her brother, and sister, and their offspring. She was also a member of the First Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls for over 50 years.

She is survived by her children, Karen E. Lynch, Dyan L. Machan, David D. Machan, and William K. Machan; grandchildren, Lewis E. Berns, Kyle J. Berns, and C. Oliver Lynch; great-grandchild, Reni R. Berns. She is survived by her siblings, Robert Battershell and Barbara Buckmaster. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Doug, Renee, Craig, and Clayton Schley. We all miss her dearly.

A celebration of her life will take place July 30, Saturday, at First United Methodist Church of Cuyahoga Falls, 245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Calling hours start at 2 p.m. with a 3 p.m. ceremony presided over by Pastor, Mike Ward. A gathering with food and beverages will follow.

Should friends desire, memorials may be made to Halo Nurses , of Akron General Foundation, via Akron General Hospital-Cleveland Clinic.