Margaret Eileen Waldron

Eileen Waldron was born in Newark, New Jersey on January 6, 1939, to parents John Stephen Hanifin and Margaret Mary Monahan, who met and married after immigrating from Ireland. Eileen attended high school at St. Vincent's Academy, a girls' Catholic High School in Newark and later attended (Business) Secretarial School. Eileen married George Raymond Waldron in 1959 after he had served in the Korean War as a Marine. While in New Jersey, Eileen gave birth to three sons, Vincent, Michael and John.

In 1967, George and Eileen moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Approaching Phoenix and experiencing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert for the first time, Eileen stated she knew she would love her new home. Soon they settled into a neighborhood in north Phoenix, Village Meadows, and quickly created lifelong friendships. Eileen served as den mother, Little League scorekeeper, homeroom volunteer, Catholic Catechism teacher and all-around supermom. She encouraged her kids to have fun, make the most of life and serve their community. She was a willing participant in her kids' Halloween spook houses, animal talent contests, and the building of prom floats in their front yard.

George and Eileen loved their adopted home of Arizona and explored all corners of it with their three boys, first venturing in a station wagon and tent and later a truck and small RV. Although raised a city girl, Eileen loved the outdoors. Trips to San Diego and walks along the beach were always a highlight.

When her youngest son finished elementary school, Eileen took college courses and soon went to work for the Deer Valley Unified School District. She quickly advanced to Administrative Assistant for the Superintendent and served in this role for many years. She enjoyed a fulfilling work life and the many good friends she made along the way. She was a beloved mentor to many, across generations.

Eileen loved people and lived life to its fullest, never missing an opportunity to get up and dance. She often stated, "Rock and Roll soothes my soul."

More than anything, Eileen loved her family. In addition to her three sons, she treasured her extended family, especially her six grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She was a hands-on grandmother, even volunteering to take two different groups of grandkids to Disney World solo and having them join her on camping adventures. Additionally, she had a very special relationship with her niece, Reese Hanifin.

Although she endured a great deal of hardship as a child, she was forever resilient and a bright light who served as a role model for a life well lived.

At 80, Eileen and her good friend Nancy flew to Seattle to attend a Rolling Stones concert. She enjoyed returning to her parents' homeland in Ireland and never passed up an opportunity to travel and experience other cultures. She loved living in her high rise in central Phoenix and exploring cultural activities with family and friends. If there was a new restaurant or entertainment venue to be explored, Eileen was the go-to.

Eileen was passionate about social justice, believing in the dignity and value of all beings. Although she grew up Catholic, she stated later in her life that she left the church for several reasons, including the following: her gay son and his long-time partner (the "favorite" son), her transgender grandson and her gay grandson. Always guided by a strong and ever-present higher power, her faith transcended the confines of any one church. Always, she embodied kindness, civility, and love.

Eileen is survived by her three sons, Vince (Kathleen) Waldron, Mike Waldron and John Waldron (Jeff Parker); six grandchildren, Emily and Lucas, Kyle and Bryan, and José and Carlos, as well as three great-grandchildren, Eric, Carter and Alice. She has served as a loving and inclusive bridge to both family and chosen family alike. Eileen is preceded in death by her husband George Raymond Waldron and brother Jack Hanifin.

At this moment, Eileen may very well be dancing to We Are Family by Sister Sledge.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to direct any donations to Hospice of the Valley. A private celebration of life will be scheduled later to honor Eileen's life and enduring legacy.