Eileen M. Walsh passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly, on Feb 25, 2020. Born on August 23, 1951 in the Bronx, to Irish immigrant parents, Robert and Marcella (Nannery) Walsh, she lived her unique life as fiery redhead and a self-proclaimed “old hippy”. She was the proud, youthful older sister to Breda Walsh and Clara Walsh-Giarraffa. These three ladies, much more than siblings, always exemplified merriment and radiance when together.
While attending Lehman College, she answered a summer staffing advertisement for a camp located in Putnam County. That seasonal employment experience, lead her to relocate to the area, where she eventually made Pawling her home and raised her children, Adrian “Jason” Maxwell and Margaux Maxwell-Miller. Her role for many years as proprietor of Hawkeye’s Army Navy Surplus Store in Pawling, is one not to be forgotten. While working full time and raising her family, Eileen furthered her education by earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Western Connecticut State University. During her occupation at Catholic Charities of Danbury, she found her true passion, helping those in need, particularly the homeless and those suffering from mental illness.
Travel brought to Eileen a great sense of joy. She trekked across the country several times. This included such adventures as climbing the spectacular Grand Canyon and the picturesque White Mountains of New Hampshire as well as sailing the Atlantic waters off the coast of Maine. Discovering that her true spirit animal hailed from the Southwest, it was no surprise that Eileen enjoyed drumming. Her journey to “The Emerald Isle” brought wonderful insight to her Irish heritage, inspiring her to try a hand at playing the bagpipes.
The center of the bold and accomplished life of Eileen Walsh, was the purest of all delights, her children and five grandchildren. To the youngest generation; Natalie, Gabriella, Travis, Adrian and Celeste, she was known distinctively as Silly Yaya. Simple pleasures of Eileen’s free time included games of Scrabble and crossword puzzles.
Eileen’s irresistible free spirit was graciously complimented by her fabulous sense of humor which enhanced her infectious laugh. Her personality was colorful, wholeheartedand unmatched. She embodied the motto “not all who wander are lost.” Eileen is survived by her loving sisters Breda, and Clara (Glenn), her devoted children Jason (Hilda) and Margaux (Danny), their father, Jay Maxwell, and her cherished grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation in Eileen’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Pawling Resource Center.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Horn & Thomes, Inc. Funeral Home, 83 East Main Street, Pawling, NY.
