Eileen A. Smalfus

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Eileen A. Smalfus, 89, of Point Pleasant, N.J., on Friday, December 26, 2025. 

A devoted Mama, Grandmom, Mommom, Great-Mommom, Aunt, Sister and Friend, Eileen was born in Newark, N.J., in 1936 to extraordinarily resilient parents, John McDermott, an Irish father, and Emily Zoakes, a Polish mother.

Eileen was a woman of great fortitude who believed deeply in the sanctity of life. She had a lifelong love of nature, especially birds, which she faithfully fed throughout her life—despite the persistent efforts of greedy squirrels and chipmunks. She delighted in nurturing plants and took great joy in the changing seasons.

Eileen devoted her life to raising her four children and to her nursing career, spending the majority of her professional years in long-term care. She worked as a registered nurse from the time she completed her nursing training until retiring at the age of 72, caring for others with compassion, patience, and dignity.

She loved to cook, especially for holidays and family gatherings. Her meatballs and sausage, butter cookies, and legendary Big Breakfast were unmatched and eagerly anticipated. Her strong sense of fairness was evident even in the smallest moments—she famously saved prizes from breakfast cereal boxes and, once she had enough, raffled them off among her four children so everyone had an equal chance. It was a simple tradition that perfectly reflected her values.

Eileen was a devoted parishioner of St. Martha Roman Catholic Church in Point Pleasant, where her faith and commitment to community were an important part of her life.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond H. Smalfus, Jr., who passed away in 2008. They met when Eileen joined the United States Air Force as an officer, having already earned her nursing credentials, while Raymond served as an enlisted member. Their marriage spanned many years and reflected the strength and independence that defined Eileen throughout her life. She was also preceded in death by her brother, John McDermott, and sister-in-law, Jeanne McDermott, as well as her sister, Mildred Buerle, and brother-in-law, Eugene Buerle.

She is survived by her two sons, Brian Smalfus (Amy Smalfus) and Shawn Smalfus; her two daughters, Christine Miller (Douglas Miller) and Catherine Smalfus; her four grandchildren, Danielle, Tayler, Rachael, and Amanda; and her two great-grandchildren, Rose and Charlie.

Cremation was private and under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home, 2170 Highway 88, Brick.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 3, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martha Roman Catholic Church, 3800 Herbertsville Road, Point Pleasant, N.J. 08742.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Eileen’s legacy of generosity, fairness, and kindness by donating food, money, or time to your local food bank.

Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting the guestbook at www.colonialfuneralgroup.com