1923
Eileen
2016
Eileen Winchell
February 26, 1923 — August 21, 2016
Eileen M. Winchell (nee McLaren), age 93, of Wayne, PA passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 21, 2016. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband James E. Winchell and daughter Janice McEntee. She is the loving mother of Judy Deardorff (David) and son-in-law Edward McEntee, cherished "Grammy" of Jennifer Zogg (James), Sean McEntee (RaeLynn), Kevin McEntee (Natalie), and Amanda Knab (Mark), and great-grandmother to 11 wonderful children.
Eileen was born in Brooklyn, NY, growing up in a loving extended family that included her brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends. From her wonderful parents and through her Catholic education at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Eileen first learned the values of love, tenacity, and generosity of spirit that she practiced all her life. Eileen was an excellent student, and also excelled in all her other endeavors, including sports and artistic pursuits. During the Depression, the family moved upstate where she attended Kingston High School. There she met her husband and true love, James, when they were co-leads in the high school play, Kind Lady. They began married life in 1943 and like many others at the time bore the pain of separation during World War II. After the war they lived in Brooklyn, where their first child was born with Spina Bifida. Soon afterwards they bravely moved to upstate New York where Eileen's strength and creativity were constantly tested as she managed both her children's disability and health issues without the benefit of any assistance or resources. Eileen and Jim created a warm, loving family life where the children felt cherished, secure and well-traveled due to many miles on the road for family vacations! Eileen and the family moved to Pennsylvania in 1966, and as her children grew she applied her wonderful combination of intelligence and kindness to the workforce as an Executive Assistant at TV Guide and as a Bookkeeper at the Villanova University Augustinian Seminary Guild. She then embarked on yet a third career as "Grammy" as her grandchildren were born and she took a prominent role in their upbringing, bestowing on them yet again all her love and life lessons.
Eileen was very active with the Wayne community and loved to attend local Mass and Adoration. Thanks to her weekly hair appointments with several beloved stylists in Wayne, Eileen never had a hair out of place. Whether she was running errands, dancing in the living room, or throwing a party, she always had her high heels donned. Ever the epitome of grace and style, her wise advice "you'd rather be overdressed than underdressed" still rings true. Eileen also imparted the importance of excellent table manners, how to write a sincere thank you note, proper posture, and perseverance in the face of obstacles.
As the "Grammy of the neighborhood," she had an active influence in the lives of all children she knew and truly embodied the Lord's commandment to "love thy neighbor." She loved to make others feel special with a little treat or delicious meal. She was an excellent chef and entertainer and always enjoyed hosting friends and family as giving others a lift gave her purpose and strength. Eileen will be forever cherished for her lifetime of service and commitment to her loved ones.
Relatives and friends are invited to Eileen's visitation on Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in Our Lady of Assumption Church 35 Old Eagle School Rd., Strafford, PA 19087. Funeral mass to follow at 10:45 AM. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Eileen's name may be made to St Jude's Hospital for Children, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=4119613&pg=personal&fr_id=39300, Gift Funds FY16: Eileen Winchell Memorial Fund - Gift Funds for St. Jude
Burial:
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Eileen was born in Brooklyn, NY, growing up in a loving extended family that included her brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends. From her wonderful parents and through her Catholic education at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Eileen first learned the values of love, tenacity, and generosity of spirit that she practiced all her life. Eileen was an excellent student, and also excelled in all her other endeavors, including sports and artistic pursuits. During the Depression, the family moved upstate where she attended Kingston High School. There she met her husband and true love, James, when they were co-leads in the high school play, Kind Lady. They began married life in 1943 and like many others at the time bore the pain of separation during World War II. After the war they lived in Brooklyn, where their first child was born with Spina Bifida. Soon afterwards they bravely moved to upstate New York where Eileen's strength and creativity were constantly tested as she managed both her children's disability and health issues without the benefit of any assistance or resources. Eileen and Jim created a warm, loving family life where the children felt cherished, secure and well-traveled due to many miles on the road for family vacations! Eileen and the family moved to Pennsylvania in 1966, and as her children grew she applied her wonderful combination of intelligence and kindness to the workforce as an Executive Assistant at TV Guide and as a Bookkeeper at the Villanova University Augustinian Seminary Guild. She then embarked on yet a third career as "Grammy" as her grandchildren were born and she took a prominent role in their upbringing, bestowing on them yet again all her love and life lessons.
Eileen was very active with the Wayne community and loved to attend local Mass and Adoration. Thanks to her weekly hair appointments with several beloved stylists in Wayne, Eileen never had a hair out of place. Whether she was running errands, dancing in the living room, or throwing a party, she always had her high heels donned. Ever the epitome of grace and style, her wise advice "you'd rather be overdressed than underdressed" still rings true. Eileen also imparted the importance of excellent table manners, how to write a sincere thank you note, proper posture, and perseverance in the face of obstacles.
As the "Grammy of the neighborhood," she had an active influence in the lives of all children she knew and truly embodied the Lord's commandment to "love thy neighbor." She loved to make others feel special with a little treat or delicious meal. She was an excellent chef and entertainer and always enjoyed hosting friends and family as giving others a lift gave her purpose and strength. Eileen will be forever cherished for her lifetime of service and commitment to her loved ones.
Relatives and friends are invited to Eileen's visitation on Saturday, September 10, 2016 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in Our Lady of Assumption Church 35 Old Eagle School Rd., Strafford, PA 19087. Funeral mass to follow at 10:45 AM. Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Eileen's name may be made to St Jude's Hospital for Children, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or http://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/GiftFunds/GiftFunds?px=4119613&pg=personal&fr_id=39300, Gift Funds FY16: Eileen Winchell Memorial Fund - Gift Funds for St. Jude
Burial:
Saturday, September 10, 2016
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