In Memoriam: Former Rumsonite, Little Silver Resident, Eileen Kenney, 87

Former longtime Rumsonite and Little Silver resident, Eileen Anne Gannon Kenney passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her beloved family, on Feb. 12. She was 87.

“To know Eileen was to know the essence of kindness, good humor, loyalty and faith …

“On a snowy day in 1962, Eileen tested the mettle of a gentleman by having him wait in Journal Square before their first date. It was love at first sight and Eileen married Joseph T. Kenney Sr. on May 4, 1963. Together, they built a life immersed in family and a driving Catholic faith that guided their every action. Eileen was a fierce advocate for her children and an adoring wife.

“Soon after starting their family, Eileen and Joe settled in Rumson. As a parishioner at Holy Cross Church, Eileen was a daily communicant, served on the Altar Guild and was cofounder of the athletic program at Holy Cross School where she also taught French. In 1985 Eileen and Joe relocated their family to Yardley, PA. There, they were graced with many deep and abiding friendships with their neighbors who became like family. Eventually Eileen and Joe resettled back in Little Silver.

“Known as ‘Eila’ to her grandchildren, nothing delighted her more than being with them. Each knew in their heart that they were her favorite, a particular skill that she effortlessly possessed and conveyed to her own children as ‘the secret to being a good parent.’ She loved to say the rosary with her friends and family. Her selflessness was unparalleled and her devotion to her family unequivocable. Eileen passed secure in her knowledge that she left her family unbroken in the Sacred Heart of Jesus …

“She was a member of the Junior League, was a voracious reader and had an enduring love for music.

“Eileen’s childhood was rich with family and blessed by friendships which lasted a lifetime.”
Loved ones of Eileen Kenney in her obituary

Born May 7, 1937, in the Irish enclave of Greenville, Jersey City, Eileen graduated from Saint Aloysius Academy and continued her education at Notre Dame College of Staten Island. A Francophile, she also spent time in Paris. Eileen worked as a French teacher at Abraham Lincoln and Henry Snyder High Schools in Jersey City.

Eileen is survived by: her husband, Joe, of 61 years; her eight children and their spouses, Mary Eileen Baltes (Mike) of Doylestown, PA, John (Mary) of Wayzata, MN, Joseph (Darrah), of Rumson, Anne, of Little Silver, William (Dorothy), of Rumson, Teresa Sperber (Paul), of Rumson, Gerard (Stephanie), of Rumson, and Patrick (Jill), of Fairfield, CT.; 25 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; her cherished brother and sister-in-law, William J., III and Rosemary D. Gannon, of Morristown, and brother-in-law, William W. Kenney, of Norwalk, CT; nine nieces and nephews, cousins and countless friends.

Eileen was predeceased by: her parents, William J. and Anne C. Gannon; her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and Peter E. Warshaw; and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Ann (Hudak) Kenney.

A mass of christian burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Rumson. Friends and relatives are invited to visitation on Monday, Feb. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, Rumson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Next Step Programs, 204 North West Street, Suite 102, Doylestown, PA 18901.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home