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Eileen Patricia O’Connor, 80, passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family. Eileen was born and raised in Worcester, MA. She attended Commerce High School and worked as a court officer, later becoming the first female trial court chief officer of Worcester County, overseeing the Fitchburg court complex, which included the Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, and Winchendon district courts.
Eileen leaves her loving companion of 32 years Cheryl Martunas, her daughter and son Maria and Michael Leone, and grandchildren Oliver, Stella, and Alexandra. Her brothers Gerald and Patrick O’Connor predecease her.
Eileen commanded any room she was in with her endless wit and vibrant personality. She was a loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, companion, and friend. A full-blooded Irishwoman, she loved singing Irish songs and listening to Irish music. Reading was also a lifelong passion of hers. Eileen loved dogs and for years was a monthly contributor to the ASPCA. Always social, she loved entertaining friends and family, singing, dancing, cooking, and flinging a tart opinion or two, whether at her condo in Fitchburg, Massachusetts or Wells, Maine. She was—and remains—an unforgettable force of a person and was loved passionately by her family and friends.
A private ceremony will be held with no calling hours. Donations can be made to the ASPCA. Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel is honored to assist the family with the arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
370 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

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