Katherine "Eileen" Carter (nee Brinkman), age 78, of Grand Haven, MI, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. She was born on August 25, 1947, in Russellville, Arkansas, to the late Otto and Lavina (Hottinger) Brinkman. Eileen married David C. Carter on August 16, 1964, in Clarksville, Arkansas.

Eileen and David moved to Grand Haven in 1991 and were faithful members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church for many years. She worked as a Mortgage Underwriter for Fifth-Third Bank in Grand Haven, MI until her retirement.

From her flourishing flower beds to her weekend antiquing trips, Eileen lived a life full of color. Her compassionate spirit shone through her lifelong devotion to animals and her active involvement in her church. She embraced the beauty of a slower pace, finding laughter in card games with her dear friends. Even as her years grew quieter, she remained an observant friend to the birds in her backyard and a generous soul to the local animal shelter.

Eileen is lovingly remembered and missed by her beloved husband of 61 years, David; and their two sons, Bret (Melissa) Carter of Elyria, OH, and Bart (Lisa) Carter of Mooresville, NC; her two granddaughters, Morgan and Mallory Carter; and her sister, Diana Brinkman of Russellville, AR. She was preceded in death by her mother and father.

A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church or Noah Project (a "no kill" animal shelter).

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