Eileen Espinoza

In Loving Memory of Eileen Espinoza-Ball

Eileen Espinoza-Ball, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at home on August 17, 2026 surrounded by family and love. At the time of her passing, her husband Derral and her daughter Colleen held her hands as she took her final breath. After years of fighting with incredible strength and determination, Eileen is finally free from pain and suffering and at peace in the kingdom of Heaven.

Eileen was born on October 7, 1954, in San Francisco, California, to Joseph Espinoza. She was primarily raised by her grandmother, Julia Espinoza, whom she lovingly called 'Ma.' Her San Francisco upbringing shaped so much of who she became. She was in every sense the epitome of a San Francisco girl - spirited, fun-loving, independent and always ready for an adventure. She spent much of her childhood surrounded by her close-knit cousins, creating the kind of memories and lifelong connections that remained important to her throughout her life.

In her youth and young adult life, Eileen was the life of the party and knew how to have a good time. She lived life fully and fearlessly, including traveling to Paris on her own which is just one example of the independent spirit that made her so special.

At 38 years old, Eileen became a single mother to her only daughter, Colleen, who was born in June of 1993. She devoted herself to raising Colleen while building a life and career of her own. In 1998, while both working for San Mateo County, Eileen met Derral. True to her confident and independent nature, Eileen was the one who asked him out on their first date. That date began a love story that would last for the rest of her life.

Eileen spent much of her career serving San Mateo County, working as a legal administrator for the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office before retiring from Adult Probation in 2016. Shortly after retiring, Eileen and Derral moved to Cameron Park, where they could be closer to their “gang” of friends. Together, they filled their retirement years with adventures, travels, laughter, and countless memories. Eileen especially cherished her monthly ladies' lunches with her girlfriends, friendships that brought her so much joy.

Hosting was in Eileen's blood. She loved bringing people together and could always be counted on to have a delicious meal ready for anyone who walked through her door. She and Derral especially loved opening their home in the foothills to family and friends. Christmas Eve was one of her favorite traditions, when their home was filled with their children, grandchildren, food, laughter and love. For Eileen, having a full house was never a burden it was exactly what and where she wanted to be.

Eileen's life was marked by an extraordinary amount of strength. In 2020, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery and completed three rounds of chemotherapy, successfully beating the cancer and enjoying a couple cancer-free years. In 2023, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and underwent surgery later that year, followed by chemotherapy in 2024. When the cancer continued to spread, she underwent immunotherapy and later began a targeted treatment in the fall of 2025. Each chapter brought new challenges, but Eileen continued to face every diagnosis and every setback with the same strength that had defined her entire life.

In June 2026, Eileen was diagnosed with leukemia. After everything her body had endured, she made the courageous decision not to pursue further treatment. Even after years of difficult news, procedures, treatments and uncertain test results, Eileen remained a fighter until her very last breath.

Eileen is survived by her devoted husband Derral Ball; her daughter Colleen Brown; her stepdaughters Wendy and Lisa; her father Joseph Espinoza; her sister Danielle; her brother Tony; her three sons-in-law Shayn, Jason and Steve; and her beloved grandchildren Owen, Sienna, Olivia, Garrett, Paige, Emma, and Logan. She also leaves behind countless cousins, friends and loved ones whose lives were made brighter by knowing her.

Eileen was someone who made life feel like a celebration. She loved deeply, laughed loudly, cooked generously, traveled boldly and never hesitated to bring people together. She created a home where people felt welcome and memories were made. Her greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely to her family and friends.

She is now reunited with her beloved Ma, her granddog Cooper and the other loved ones who went before her. While her family and friends will miss her more than words can express, they can find comfort knowing that Eileen is finally at peace, free from pain and suffering and resting in the loving arms of God.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved and never forgotten.