Eileen Beatrice von Hagn Lenherr passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024, at the Laurels of Charlottesville. She was born on August 25, 1927, in New York City, NY.
Eileen was preceded in death by her husbands, William Sebald Lenherr (father of her children), and Frederick Leon Childers. She is survived by her children: Kenneth Lenherr (Jane), Richard Lenherr (Linda), Kathleen Drummond, and William ‘Bill’ Lenherr, as well as 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Dorothea Wachtel.
Known affectionately as Gramma, Queen Eileen, and Ms. Lenherr, Eileen was cherished by all who knew her, and admired for her kindness, grace, and wisdom. As a Navy wife, she resided in several places prior to settling on a farm in Fluvanna County, VA. During her second marriage, she made her home in Clifton Forge, VA, before returning to Fluvanna.
In addition to being a mother, farmer, and real estate agent, she ran a preschool named “Little Folks School.” Eileen proudly founded a chapter of the Red Hat Society named the Virginia Vixens and enjoyed the companionship of the group. At the age of 90, she embarked on her last big adventure by flying in a biplane, inspired by her idol Amelia Earhart.
Her presence brought joy to those around her, and her legacy of love and her adventurous spirit will continue to inspire future generations.
A private ceremony will be held to honor Eileen’s life, and she will be laid to rest at Culpeper National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Eileen Lenherr.