Obituary of Eileen B. Smith

Eileen B. Smith, 94, of Clinton, NY passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023.

Eileen was born on March 18th, 1929 in Williamstown, County Galway, Ireland to John and Mary Finnegan.

She was one of 7 children and lived on the farm with her parents and siblings. As Eileen became an adult, she left for England where she was a governess to a family in London. Eileen emigrated to the United States in 1952 traveling on board the Queen Mary II and landed in Ellis Island. Eileen made her way to Utica where she met and married the love of her life. Eileen and Richard were married for 64 years until his passing in 2019.

In addition to raising four boys, Eileen had several passions that she pursued. There were many trips around Upstate NY buying antique furniture, along with many hours of recaning chairs and reclaiming wood desks and tables. Eileen also had a real love for gardening, baking, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Eileen took particular pleasure on the many trips to Maine and Thousand Islands.

For much of her later adult life, she and Richard spent the fall and winter at their home in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Eileen is survived by her four sons, John and his wife Nancy, and their children, Matthew and Kevin; Ken; Patrick and his wife Maureen, and children, Austin, Alexis and Bailey and granddaughter, Paisley; and Kevin and his wife Christina, and their daughter, Sienna. Also surviving are her older brother Peter and sister Delia, and the many nieces and nephews in Ireland and the US. Also surviving are lifelong friends, Dave and Lorraine Wicks, and Dave and Barbara Millbower of Rome, whose unwavering support will not be forgotten.

A special thank you to the tireless efforts and support of the Lutheran Cottages.

Private services will be held for the family by Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, Inc., Clinton, NY.