Eileen M. Friend

I am so sorry to hear of Eileen's passing. She was a lovely, kind woman who I had the privilege of knowing when I worked in the St. Jerome School office from 1997 to 2009. Please accept my sincere condolences for your family's loss.

I had the honor of working along side Eileen at St. Jerome School for twenty-five years. Also, my two
Children were blessed to have Eileen as their teacher. Eileen was a very talented artist who encouraged me to become a better art/music teacher. She helped me to believe in myself. She shared her God given talents with the students and faculty of St. Jerome School for many years. I am greatly saddened to hear of her passing. However, I believe God was waiting for her with open arms....

I was so very saddened to hear about the passing of Eileen. I know she was such an important part of so many lives. A great daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, artist, beloved Aunt & friend throughout her wonderful life. I feel privileged to have met her & to have seen some of her beautiful works of art. Of course, the most beautiful piece she created was her family. It was evident that she loved teaching as well. She was always ready to give advice or encourage me when I...

I’ve been blessed in my life to have my two sisters, Eileen and Geraldine, as my best friends since childhood. However, since our daughters, Amanda and Molly were roughly the same age, and we both live in the same area, Eileen and I had several special adventures together: going to a Renaissance Faire and shooting with a bow and arrow; me telling stories from myth and history to Eileen and the girls on our way to Alexandria to visit Geraldine; taking the girls to Irish Step Dancing class;...

It’s an understatement to say I’ll miss my little sister. I’m glad I have our memories, though; it will make the road ahead less burdensome. I love you more than words can say, Eenie,

Eileen, you and Laurie will always be my sisters, my friends. I learned so much from you growing up about what to wear and who to date. Later I learned how to raise two little boys asking questions to you and Laurie. You helped me when there were bullies, or unfair grades, or hurt feelings. I’m passing all this valuable learning to the next generation.
I will always love you, and you always be in my heart. Geraldine and Dean, Matthew and Brendan

I have so many wonderful memories of Eileen. Growing up our families were very close. We spent summer days swimming in our pool, playing games, and walking to the corner store for a daily snack. Picnicking at Cedar Lake on Sunday afternoons was a summer highlight. I can still taste the cheese burgers my dad grilled for all of us. As teens we worked together in Gino’s, and we were in each other’s weddings.
I’m grateful to God for all the years and wonderful times that I had with Eileen...