Eileen F Frey

Eileen F. Frey (nee Murphy), 90, of Elk Grove Village, born on November 13, 1935, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025. Eileen was born in Chicago, IL to Bartholomew and Nellie (Murphy) Murphy.
As a child of Irish immigrants, Eileen grew up in Chicago, graduated Providence High School in 1953 and, on August 19, 1961, Eileen married Dennis Frey after a chance meeting at a local dance. They welcomed their first child, Denise Eileen in 1962. A move to Westchester preceded the birth of Thomas Michael in 1964. In 1967, Eileen and Dennis settled in Elk Grove Village and welcomed Patricia Marie the following year, completing their family with the birth of Julie Anne in 1972. They were married nearly 60 years when Dennis passed in 2020.
Eileen lived an incredible life filled with strength, gratitude, and faith. She was humble in her accomplishments, from raising four children to building a career at CNA Insurance. As one of the founding families at St Julian Eymard Parish, she was an active member of the woman's club for many years.
With Dennis, she enjoyed traveling and meeting new people. Family vacations were a highlight, even getting the entire family to Ireland to see where her parents began their lives and connecting with far-away relatives.
Her Irish temperament connected her instantly with every person she met. Eileen could strike up a conversation with anyone, often spending hours talking to someone whom she'd simply said "hello" to. To her, a stranger was just a friend she hadn't met yet.
She had a deep love for everyone in her life and enjoyed spending time with her nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Eileen is survived by her loving children Denise (Thomas) Hayes of St. Charles, Thomas (Penny) of West Dundee, Patricia (Jennifer) of Schaumburg and Julie (Craig) Stamper of Schaumburg; grandchildren: Kathleen (Scott) Bostrom, Connor (Jenna), Patrick, Sean (Alexx), Mikayla, Logan, Aidan, Cecilia and Abigail; great grandchildren Lucy, Thomas and Delaney. Eileen was preceded in death by her husband Dennis, her parents, and brothers Bartholomew and Thomas, Archbishop of Seattle.
Visitation will be held at Grove Memorial Chapel, 1199 S. Arlington Heights Rd., Elk Grove Village, on Friday, December 12 from 6-8 pm. Funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, 601 Biesterfield Rd., Elk Grove Village, on Saturday, December 13 at 10 am.
Memorial contributions in Eileen's name may be made to Gilda's Club of Chicago. As a cancer survivor, Gilda's Club surrounded Eileen with people who truly understood what she was facing, giving her comfort, strength, and a sense of belonging during an incredibly difficult time. Gilda's Club was a space where she was not alone, and that gift is something we will always be grateful for. https://www.gildasclubchicago.org/ways-to-give/