Eileen Sullivan Johnson

Eileen Sullivan Johnson, 86, passed away on June 26, 2025, in Lake Oswego, Oregon. A devoted mother, grandmother, and friend, Eileen lived a full life marked by faith, family, service, and a sharp wit that endeared her to all who knew her.

Born on July 20, 1938, in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, Eileen Anne Johnson was the second of three children born to William and Catherine (Callahan) Sullivan. Her early years were shaped by resilience and responsibility; after the passing of her father when she was just ten years old, Eileen helped care for her family while her mother entered the workforce. Even as a child, she displayed the humor and strength that would become hallmarks of her character.

Eileen's education began at St. Wendelin Catholic School in Pittsburgh, where she attended grades one through eight and continued into ninth grade at St. Wendelin Catholic High School. She graduated with honors from Coraopolis High School in 1956. A spirited student, she was active in numerous clubs and athletic teams. She later pursued business courses at Duquesne University and Steubenville College.

On May 9, 1959, Eileen married Richard Johnson at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Coraopolis. Their daughter Kelly was born in 1960, followed by sons Jay in 1962 and Brian in 1964.

In January 1965, the young family relocated to Corvallis, Oregon when Richard accepted a position as a pharmacy professor at Oregon State University. Another son, Joel, was born in November 1965. Eileen quickly formed close friendships with other faculty families-bonds that were strengthened through shared experiences and frequent family trips to the Oregon coast, the mountains, and Kah-Ne-Tah during school holidays. In 1975, the family moved to Lake Oswego where they continued to thrive.

Eileen worked part-time as an administrative assistant in the insurance industry. Her professional journey included roles at Far West Financial Services, followed by Marketing One. When United Life & Annuity Insurance Company acquired Marketing One in 1999, she continued with the company until her retirement around 2000.

Beyond her career and family responsibilities, Eileen led an active and engaged life. She was a volunteer with the Red Cross and OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry), She was also deeply committed to her faith as a devout Catholic. For two decades she attended St. Michael's Catholic Church in Portland before moving to Mary's Woods in 2024, where she became a regular attendee at Holy Names Chapel.

Eileen embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad and cherished long weekends at the family beach house in Seal Rock on the Oregon coast. A lover of music and culture, she was a season subscriber to the Oregon Symphony for many years. She also enjoyed water aerobics several times a week and frequently dined out with friends and family-always bringing laughter to any gathering with her quick wit and warm presence.

Eileen is lovingly remembered by her daughter Kelly (Russell), sons Jay, Brian (Carol), and Joel (Dustin), brothers Bill (Paulette) Sullivan and Michael (Susan) Sullivan, and seven grandchildren: Braden, Victoria, Hanna, Elise, Annie, William, and Daniel.

She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Johnson; her parents William and Catherine Sullivan; and her brothers Jay and James Sullivan.

Eileen's legacy lives on through her family and all those whose lives she touched with kindness, humor, strength, and grace. A Funeral Mass will be held on August 13, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM at St Michael's Catholic Church 424 SW Mill St., Portland, Oregon. The mass will be followed by a reception in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities, or another organization of your choice, in memory of Eileen.