Eileen Nora McAleer

Eileen Nora McAleer, age 98, of Yeadon, PA and West Chester, PA, native of Glengad, Malin, Co. Donegal, Ireland, died peacefully at home on Thursday, February 13th, 2025. One of 11 beloved children of John and Catherine Kelly, she went on to study nursing at Belfast City Hospital in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Later upon emigrating to Philadelphia, she worked at Presbyterian Hospital, Fitzgerald Mercy Hospital as well as the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she provided care to both mothers and infants- her favorite job- where she won recognition for excellence in nursing care.
Survived by her cherished children who surrounded her with deep love all of her life but especially in the later years- Daughters- Kathleen, Eileen Mullen (Dan), Mary Teresa Ferraro (Joe) and Colleen Stromberg (Bernie) and Sons- Thomas (Diane), Bernard, and Patrick (Deirdre). Also survived by 11 grandchildren- Kevin, Andrew, Grace, Bridget, Molly, Danny, Julia, Thomas, Declan, Zachary, Kelly and 2 great grandsons.
Eileen is also survived by her sister Sadie Angelides, brother-in-law Tom Grogan, and sister-in-law Mary Kelly (Manchester, England) and her dear cousins in Ireland and Boston, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.
Eileen's loving husband, Thomas, and infant son Sean- both deceased- loved her dearly. Also deceased are her 9 siblings- Mary, Margaret, Catherine, Teresa, Lily, Ann, John, Edward and Denis- who reveled in great singing sessions and laughter together. Her parents- John and Catherine Kelly - simple Irish farmers, raised a beautiful strong faith-filled family.
Eileen's greatest passions were her Catholic faith, her love of family, and taking the gift of her Irish village ways to the hearts of everyone she met. She was known for her famous Irish Scone, her colorful garden, her laughter and wit, and her generous heart. She loved family gatherings- both time at home in the US, and in Ireland/England/Chicago with extended family. Eileen, a life-long member of the Donegal Society of Philadelphia, treasured her Irish roots. As her sister Mary lovingly shared when visiting her in the U.S.- "Eileen, you've come a long way from Glengad". And as Mom would say- "God Bless and Say your prayers".
From Eileen's favorite book- "The Autobiography of St. Therese Lisieux"
"Oh, what a comfort it is, this way of Love"
You may stumble on it
You may fail to correspond with the grace given,
But always -
Love knows how to make the best of everything.
Whatever offends our Lord,
Is burnt up in Love's fire
And nothing is left but a humble absorbing peace
Deep down in the heart".
Relatives and Friends are invited to a Viewing/Visitation Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6-8:00 PM at Logan-Videon Funeral Home, 2001 Sproul Rd, Broomall, PA and Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 9:30 - 10:45 AM at Saint Louis Church, 801 West Cobbs Creek Parkway, Yeadon, PA 19050 followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 A.M. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA 19050. The Funeral Mass will also be live-streamed. Please click here on Wednesday, February 19th at 10:50 A.M. to view the Mass of Christian Burial.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: The Glengad Community Center, Glengad, Malin, Co. Donegal, Ireland OR The Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, 10 Pinesbridge Rd., Maryknoll NY 10562.