Eileen Catherine O’Donnell (nee: Raftery), a beloved Daughter, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt and Friend to all she met, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 25th, surrounded by her son Thomas, his wife Christine and her two adoring grandchildren, Hailey and TJ.
Daughter of the late William Raftery and Catherine Raftery (nee: Simpson), born in Jersey City, NJ. A beloved Mother to Thomas and his wife, Christine Conway-O’Donnell, and the late William “Bill” O’Donnell, a cherished Grandmother to Hailey and Thomas Jennings (“TJ”) O’Donnell. A loving sister to the late Kathleen Greene (nee: Raftery) and her husband LTC Edward E. Greene (US Army – RET). Aunt to Barbra Davis (nee: Greene), and her children Joseph and Devlin, and the late LTC Michael J Greene (US Army) and his widow Kate Greene (nee: Feyrer) and their children Owen and Liam.
She also leaves behind many close friends and extended family members, including her best friend of 50+ years, Margaret “Scotty” DiStaulo of Roseland, NJ.
A career Registered Nurse for over 50 years, Eileen spent her life dedicated to assisting others. A love of the beach, ocean and lighthouses which led her to volunteering with the United States Coast Guard on Sandy Hook, NJ.
A passion for travel led her to many places, both near and far, where she would easily befriend anyone who encountered her. A friendly smile, a helping hand, an encouraging word or a shoulder to cry on, was guaranteed when crossing paths with Eileen.
However, nothing bested her love for her two grandchildren, Hailey and TJ – from hours on the floor playing with cars, trucks and army men to traveling to watch Hailey play ice hockey or riding any ride at Disney with them - her grandchildren were the apple of her eyes. The word is a better place because of her, she will be greatly missed.
Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2024 from 11-1 pm, with a prayer service at 1 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701. Following the service, the family would like to extend an invitation to join them for a celebration of life lunch at the Molly Pitcher Inn, 88 Riverside Ave, Red Bank, NJ 07701. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in memory of Eileen.
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