Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Eileen Wnek Obituary
She was born Dec. 27, 1929, on Valentia Island, County Kerry, Ireland, the daughter of Timothy and Mary Burton. She met and married Theodor Wnek of Krakow Poland in New York City in 1956. She was predeceased by him on Feb. 20, 2002.
Eileen immigrated to the United States in 1949. She worked for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy Officers Club for 37 years. She took great pride in her Irish heritage, whether it was music or dancing. She cherished her time with her family especially her four grandchildren. She loved her walks at the beach, the ocean and lighthouses. She was a member of St. Matthias Church.
She is survived by her five children, Debie and Linda of East Lyme, John and his wife, Stephanie, of Westbrook, Michael and his wife, Karen, of Scarborough, Maine and Suzanne and her husband, David Hickie, of Old Lyme. Left behind are her treasured grandchildren, Stacey and Gregory Wnek and Kate and Quinn Hickie. She is also survived by her sister, Cathy Regan of Florida and Tim Burton of Valentia Island.
She was predeceased by her sister, Maryellen O'Sullivan of Valentia Island; and Michael Burton of Wales.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday, at St. Matthias Church, 317 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme. Interment will be private at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. There are no calling hours.
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic, has been entrusted with handling arrangements.
The family would appreciate donations in her memory to the American Cancer Society cancer.org/donate.
www.neilanfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eileen Wnek
ProHealth Physicians Women's Care
August 14, 2013
We, the providers and staff of Women's Care, wish to express our sincere condolences and are saddened by your loss.
Patricia McIvor, MD
SHARON FORT
August 12, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Rose Mahoney
August 12, 2013
Dear Debbie, Linda, John, Mike and Suzanne,
I had breakfast with Karen this morning and learned of your mother's passing - my heartfelt condolences to each of you. She was the epitome of an Irish Matriarch - and a lovely woman.
Keeping you all close in your time of sorrow with the knowledge that she was recieved with song and celebration as she crossed over.
Melissa Calkins
August 10, 2013
Dear John and the entire Wnek Family~~~
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Blessings~~~
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Karen McDowell Long
August 10, 2013
So sorry for your family's loss. I used to work with Eileen at the Coast Guard Academy in the '80s and remember her as a lovely and gracious lady.
Joann Kerr Conn. College
August 10, 2013
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Beverley Petty
August 9, 2013
I WAS SADDENED TO HEAR OF EILEEN'S PASSING. I HAVE SUCH FOND MEMORIES OF HER AND HOW HARD SHE ALWAYS WORKED AT THE COAST GUARD ACADEMY OFFICERS CLUB. MAY SHE REST IN PEACE
Shirley Reese
August 9, 2013
The world will never be the same without your Mom in it. She was such a beautiful peron. I enjoyed her company so much when she came to visit and could join your Aunt Cathy and me on our early morning walk. She could really move and it was hard keeping up with her. She would leave us struggling to keep up with her. I personally will miss her and am so glad that I got to be her friend if only for a short time. God bless all of you and may she rest in peace. Heaven has another angel. May God give you peace at this very difficult time. I am so so sorry for your loss.
Cathy Alger
August 9, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss she was a Great person and will be missed dearly.
Gina Garreffi
August 9, 2013
Suzanne and family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Mickey Cambra
August 9, 2013
Deb & Family... Thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this most difficult time.
Mickey & Jay Cambra
Yvonne Swindell
August 9, 2013
What a beautiful difference one single life made. She will always be remembered as a lovely, caring, full of life woman, and the hardest worker at the USCGA Officer's Club. I want to express my deepest sympathy to the entire Wnek family.
Connecticu College Staff
August 9, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, we appreciate the many years working together.
Ellen Merrill
August 9, 2013
Linda and Wnek family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
I have fond memories of Eileen working at the O'Club. I looked forward to seeing her smile and hearing her kind words.
Patricia Regan Barry
August 8, 2013
To all my Wnek cousins. I am so fortunate to have such an inspirational aunt. As Suzy said at Aunt Eileen's surprise 75th birthday celebration; Aunt Eileen, you are "simply the best, better than all the rest." Rest In peace.
Marguerite Scott
August 8, 2013
Message to my neighbors written previously.
Soudabeh Sarkarhosseini
August 8, 2013
Linda & family,
My heart and love goes out to your family. Your mother was such an inspiration to us all! We will miss her deeply and my condolences go out to you and your loved ones. God Bless
August 8, 2013
To the Wnek Family,
My heartfelt sympathies go out to each and every one of you. I was Eileen's and your family's next door neighbor for probably close to thirty years. She was a wonderful neighbor and friend.I am sorry for the loss of your mother and grandmother. May she rest in peace. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Kathy Pridmore
August 8, 2013
Dear Debbie, Linda, John, Michael, Suzanne and your families, I want to offer my deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. This is one of my favorite pictures of her and your Dad. She is in good place now watching over all of you. I am very sorry.
With Love your Cousin, Kathy Pridmore and Family
Dollisa Walker
August 8, 2013
Dear Linda & Family,
Rod & I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. She was such a classy woman. She was also my mother, Frances' dearest friend and will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Frances Neal and daughters
August 8, 2013
Dear Debi & Family - We are so sorry for your loss - I always enjoyed you talking about your Mom - what a beautiful picture of her! Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers! Go mbeannaí Dia duit - May God Bless you all, give you strength and the peace that passes all understanding! Love Teresa Broderick McTigue & the Broderick family!
Breanna Comeford & family
August 8, 2013
To the Wneks, We are thinking of you with heartfelt sympathy in this time of sorrow. We are sending love and prayers to your family.
April Sears-Sarkarhosseini & Family
August 8, 2013
Dearest Linda and her family,
I will always remember the kindness,love and generousity of your mother. She was a very beautiful person and I was blessed to have known her and to have had all of you in my life.
August 8, 2013
Deb so sorry! Carol Clark
Christopher Marquette
August 8, 2013
I enjoyed all the years I worked with Eileen at the USCG. What a terrific lady. To the family--please accept my condolences.
BJ Levatino
August 8, 2013
Linda and family,
We were very sorry to hear of the sudden loss of your mother. Please know that our thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
The Levatino Family
Kristine Burkhardt
August 8, 2013
John, Stephanie & Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeri Duefrene
August 8, 2013
To the Wnek Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Your Mom was a very dear lady, always with a smile. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
August 8, 2013
Deb & Family, we were so very sorry to hear about your Mom .. you're in our thoughts and prayers .. Ken & Judy Teel, Salem
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Eileen Wnek's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Eileen Wnek
Funeral services provided by:
Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home48 Grand Street, Niantic, CT 06357
How to support Eileen's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Eileen Wnek's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
