Eileen L. Karpe

Eileen Lee Karpe (née Richmond), 93, born October 2, 1932, in Passaic, New Jersey, passed away on December 28, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital - Cedar Crest, surrounded by her loving family and the many memories she helped create across generations. She was the beloved daughter of the late Abe and Rose Richmond (née Sekuler).

Eileen was married for 54 devoted years to the love of her life, Irving Sheldon Karpe, who predeceased her in 2008. Their marriage was marked by deep partnership, shared laughter, and an enduring bond that remained strong long after his passing.

Eileen is survived by her three children: Bruce Karpe, Gregory Karpe, and Teri Miles (Stan). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Selena Karpe Mills; Michael (Stephanie) and Jayden Karpe; and Lucas (Janine), Gabriel (Amanda), and Savannah Miles. Her joy only multiplied as a great-grandmother to Abigail, Tobias, Zivah, Malachi, Aaliyah, and Zelda Mills; Benjamin, Elena, and Owen Karpe; and Izaiah Miles and Tegan Stewart.

She is also survived by her sisters, Bonnie Gail and Barbara Liner (Mel), as well as countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and dear, dear friends who were fortunate to be part of her world. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her sister Edna Richmond Smith and her brother Justin Richmond.

Eileen graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 1954 and was the Treasurer of Mask and Zany (dramatic organization) and a member of Alpha Psi Omega, an honorary theater organization. After graduation, she was a Nursery Group and Girl Scout Troop Leader at the Jewish Community Center in Scranton before beginning her family. She was the Publicity Committee of the "1955 Matzo Ball" in Scranton, President and Publicity Chairman of her local Hadassah, a youth leader for B'nai Brith Association, and a member of the Sisterhood of Temple Israel in Stroudsburg.

She co-owned and worked in the family businesses, including Karpe Insurance, Yellow Cab Company, Lee Sales, and helped manage cottage rentals for Trout Lake Cottages.

After retiring with her husband to Mesa, Arizona, she enjoyed the warm sunshine, visits to Sedona with her sister Bonnie, and making new friends with whom she still regularly communicated.

Returning to Stroudsburg four years ago to be closer to her family, she continued to make new friends while reconnecting with those she had known for many, many years. A consummate MahJong player for most of her life, she especially enjoyed playing with her friends, as well as playing and teaching others, at the Jewish Resource Center, TOALC, and Temple Israel.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, January 2nd, at the William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main Street, Sroudsburg. A graveside service will be held afterward at the Temple Israel Cemetery at 5152 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg. Family will begin sitting shiva at 1:00 PM at the home of Teri and Stan Miles, 213 Lee Ave, Stroudsburg, PA. All are welcome

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Jewish Resource Center in Stroudsburg, The Older Adult Learning Center (TOALC) in East Stroudsburg, and/or, perhaps, purchase a tree in Israel for her memory to live on in a place she always wished to see.