Eileen M. Rooney

Rooney, Eileen M. SARATOGA SPRINGS Eileen M. Rooney died peacefully Tuesday, October 23, 2007 after a long illness. She was 45. Born February 1, 1962 in Rome, N.Y., she was the fifth and youngest daughter of Francis and Violet Secskas Rooney. She attended Rome schools and graduated with honors from Rome Free Academy in 1980. Eileen then attended LeMoyne College in Syracuse, graduating in 1984 with a B.S. degree in chemistry. She was employed by Schering-Plough Pharmaceutical in N.J. as a research chemist developing medicines until her retirement due to illness in 1993. Since then, she had resided in Saratoga Springs with her sister and caregiver, Kathy. As a young women in the 1970s and 1980s, she was an accomplished horsewoman who raised and showed Quarterhorses throughout central New York. Eileen had survived ovarian cancer in 1988, only to be overtaken by ALS shortly thereafter. Through her years of failing health, Eileen recognized life as a precious gift from God and never gave up hope. Those who knew and loved her will always remember Eileen for her wit, strength of character and determination to live and enjoy life. Survivors include her four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Kathlyn Rooney, Madeline Rooney and her husband Douglas Bishop, Maureen Rooney and her husband Joseph Curatolo, all of Saratoga Springs, and Trisha Rivers of Rome, N.Y.; five nephews, Alexander Waite, Gregory Waite and Thomas Bishop, all of Saratoga Springs, James Rivers of Rome, N.Y. and Private Nicholas Rivers of Ft. Knox, Ky. Eileen was predeceased by her father in 1965, her mother in 1992 and her nephew, Christopher Waite in 2000. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Eileen's nurses, especially Kelly, Joyce, Bonnie and Diana. Relatives and friends may call from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2007 at the Christ Episcopal Church, Rt. 50 and 67, Ballston Spa. A service will follow at 7 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the family plot at Brookside Cemetery, Watertown, N.Y. Memorial contributions can be made in Eileen's name to Community Hospice of Saratoga, 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at: www.burkefuneralhome.com