Eileen Frances Tifft

FITCHBURG - Eileen Frances Tifft, age 79, of Fitchburg, passed away on Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. Eileen was born to Lyman D. and Eleanore A. (Farrell) McKee on Aug. 19, 1941. She graduated from Edgewood High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work. After a brief time with the Crawford County Department of Public Welfare, she came to work for Dane County Department of Social Services. She began as a Social Worker, and finished her career as an Economic Assistance Supervisor, retiring in January 1997. In October 1968, she married Gerald “Jerry” Tifft. She spent many hours over a span of 22 years working with the families of Cub Scout Pack 170 and for the Yahara District of the Four Lakes Council of the BSA. She was especially proud of those Cub Scouts from her Pack who went on to earn the Eagle Rank. Eileen was also active in the Wisconsin Social Services Association, serving as the District President for three terms, and held many other committee positions as well. Most recently, she has been active as a volunteer with Agrace HospiceCare, as an RSVP Driver, South Madison Coalition of the Elderly, Madison Jazz Society, and her church, Trinity United Methodist Church. She was an enthusiastic Packer Backer. Go Pack Go! Eileen had an infectious smile, a quick and genuine laugh, and lived to serve others. She loved her family and friends, and she will be missed by all. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry; son and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Katherine McKinney; four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews. She is further survived by her sister, Patricia Sykes; and her brother and sisters-in-law, James Tifft (Jo Rudie), Judy Buskager, Mary Jo Ingram and Linda McKee. She was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Rose Ellen Dahl; and brother, Richard “Dick.” A private service will be held. Family and friends who wish to view services via LIVE STREAM may visit https://www.youtube.com/trinitychurchmadison at 12 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Her family will plan a celebration of her life this spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the South Madison Coalition of the Elderly, 128 E. Olin Ave., Madison, WI 53713 or Trinity United Methodist Church, 1123 Vilas Ave., Madison, WI 53715. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608) 442-5002