Eileen May Burgher (nee Mellor/Puls), residing in Ellicott City, MD, on January 29, 2026, having reached 100 years and 8 months on this earth, Eileen peacefully passed away with family by her side. Born on May 3,1925, to George E. Mellor and Ethel M. (Norris) Mellor. Eileen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Eileen was always thinking of others, whether it be family, friends, or strangers. She accepted people with love, respect, kindness and understanding, and was known for her independence, kindness, spirited nature, wisdom and sense of humor.

Eileen was predeceased by her second husband, Elliott R. Burgher, her first husband, August C. Puls, her brother, Edward W. Mellor, and sister, Edria Williams, her sons, George C. Puls and Richard H. Puls, as well as her grandson Steven J. Puls. She is survived by her daughters, Carol A. Middlecamp (Robert – deceased) and Donna M. Williams (Bob – deceased), and son, Michael W. Puls, and daughter-in-Law Karen A. Puls, as well as her 12-grandchildren, 21-great-grandchildren, and 9-great-great-grandchildren, along with a nephew, Joesph E. Mellor (Barbara).

Eileen was born, married, and raised her family in Catonsville, MD; then re-married and moved to Westminster, MD, for 31-years; and then, to be closer to family, moved to Ellicott City, MD.

A proud graduate of Seton High School in 1943, Eileen enjoyed working with numbers, and earned an accounting degree. Throughout her life she held various accounting roles beginning with Montgomery Ward, Lerner Clothing, the American Oil Company, Noone Electric, WT Industries and retiring from Baltimore Federal. After retiring Eileen and Elliott enjoyed traveling and meeting people while working for Gutter Helmet.

Early in Eileen’s life she would establish a foundation for volunteering when and where she could be of help. In her late teens she would help at the USO, and later she and Elliott would deliver Meals-on-Wheels for 14 years, she sent greeting cards to shut-ins and would shop to help the Homeless. For over 10 years Eileen volunteered at Carroll Community Hospital’s gift shop.

Throughout her life, Eileen maintained a strong connection to her community and was always delighted to run into familiar faces wherever she went. Her interests were diverse and included traveling, with memorable trips with her friends, as well as Elliott. She enjoyed baking desserts, computer games, cards, reading, crosswords, Sudoku, flowers, bargain shopping, music, keeping things in order, keeping busy and helping others. She looked forward to eating at the local restaurants and meeting old and new friends.

Eileen’s faith was an essential part of her life, and she looked forward to attending Sunday church services at WUMC. Eileen has been involved with the Susanna Circle, the Reach Committee, M&M’s-a social group for seniors, setting up coffee between services, V.I.P. Committee, Stephen Ministry, helped in the church office when needed, and assisted with the Sunday School program. She cherished her weekly Sunday lunches with the church family.

Eileen’s love for her family was evident in the joy she took in doting on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her kindness, spirited nature, and wisdom will be remembered by all who knew and loved her. Her life was a testament to the power of community, love, and dedication. Eileen leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know her.

A Celebration of Life Memorial is scheduled for 11:00am, Saturday, March 28, at Westminster United Methodist Church, Westminster, followed by a Repast. In lieu of flowers, contributions are requested to be sent to the REACH Ministry at Westminster United Methodist Church, 165 E. Main Street, Westminster, MD 21157.

A private internment service will be held for the immediate family.