Eileen Mintz, 66, died on Feb. 1, 2009 after a brief and courageous battle with gall bladder cancer. She was born on July 9, 1942 to Harry and Rosalie DuBonne. At the age of 19, she met her husband, Dave, and it was love at first sight. Although they had different personalities and backgrounds, their pure devotion to each other was a source of strength that guided a successful and loving marriage for 46 years.

Mrs. Mintz had such a zest for life and brought joy to all those who were privileged to know her. She knew how to make you smile. She gave hugs that made you feel welcome. She loved to introduce people to each other. She showered you with sincere compliments.

Mrs. Mintz valued her Jewish heritage and inspired many through her volunteer work with the JCC of Greater Seattle, Herzl-Ner Tamid, United Synagogue and Hadassah, among others, where she won many awards for her tireless devotion to the community.

If you were a friend of Mrs. Mintz’s – and she had many – she was never too busy to talk. She made you feel like you were the only person in the world when you spoke to her, could easily lift you up and would always make you feel special.

Her mother-in-law, Goldie, first taught her how to cook, and she quickly honed those skills, collecting thousands of cookbooks and recipes, winning contests, and eventually turning food into a career with her work at the Sorrento Hotel. She eventually started Mintz Media, and Salty’s Restaurants became her sole client. Mrs. Mintz’s articles and restaurant reviews could be found in the Mercer Island Reporter, Eastside Business Journal and Salty’s “Mintz-Her Words.”

Mrs. Mintz’s sparkling personality captured the attention of many, where it even paid off through her appearances on the original “Hollywood Squares” game show and Canadian show “Pitfall,” hosted by Alex Trebek. She also won an Annette Funicello look-alike contest.

Mrs. Mintz took pleasure or “kvelled” not only in her own accomplishments but even more in those of her family and friends. She loved her family more than anything and they were the center of her world. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Mrs. Mintz is survived by her husband, Dave; two sons, Dan (Elaine) and Robert (Patti); daughter, Gina (Paul); and five grandchildren, Tessa, Jacob, Hailey and Ryan Mintz, and Ben Benezra. She is also survived by her brother, Richard DuBonne of Renton, Wash.; and sister, Lucille Wasserman of San Mateo, Calif.

Mrs. Mintz was buried in the Jewish tradition, 24 hours after her death. Services to honor her life were held on Feb. 2 at Herzl-Ner Tamid on Mercer Island, and burial followed at Herzl-Ner Cemetery in Shoreline. As is the Jewish custom, the family will receive visitors wishing to make a Shiva (in mourning) call after Eileen is laid to rest through Thursday, Feb. 5. This will be at the home of Dan and Elaine Mintz, Eileen and Dave’s eldest son and his wife, 4119 205th Ave. S.E., Sammamish, (425) 557-8235.

It is tradition for those making a Shiva call to bring or send edible gifts, not flowers.

Remembrances are suggested to the Marsha Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research, Hadassah or Herzl-Ner Tamid Congregation.