Eileen "Nana" Barbara Schokman

Eileen Barbara Herft Schokman, 99, passed over on February 9, 2025, in Pasadena, California. She wished to remain at home and was blessed to have the support of hospice and care of her family.

Eileen was born on February 23, 1925, in Kandy, Ceylon, to Alec Eugene Herft and Vilna Elaine Peterson Herft. She attended Ladies College in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, via rickshaw. Throughout her school years, she also studied piano.

On November 21, 1942, Eileen married “Tom” Clifford Chalmers Schokman, and they raised three children together. As a young wife and mother, she worked in Colombo at the Apothecaries bookstore and the Don Corolis furniture store. She also witnessed first-hand some of the devastating effects of World War II.

Eileen’s two sons left Sri Lanka for California in 1962, and she joined them two years afterward, followed by her husband and daughter. She worked at Nash’s Department Store in Pasadena and later opened a residential nursing home.

She remained actively involved in the lives of her family, always providing her love and support. After her husband passed in 1989, she lived with her daughter and son-in-law.

Eileen is survived by her two sons, Russell and Darrell Schokman; her daughter, June, and son-in-law, Dan Fleury; 6 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.