Eileen Ann Rowe Tilford

Eileen was born to Albert Wilson Rowe, Jr. of Jupiter, FL and the late Kathleen Wallace Rowe in Bridgeport, CT on March 10, 1948. Eileen graduated from Ridgefield High School and attended St. Vincent’s School of Nursing in New York, NY. As the oldest of seven children, she was known most for her infectious smile and contagious spirit.

Eileen loved her extensive family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and cousins. In high school, Eileen Rowe was a 1960’s renowned thespian and performer in high school musicals, most notably as the lead role in Bye Bye Birdie. She enjoyed summer vacations to Cape Cod as a child and shared this tradition in her adulthood with her children. She played guitar from time to time and loved to sing with her siblings and cousins at family gatherings. Eileen loved the Holidays! She loved Irish music, Irish food & every Irish saying. Eileen taught her children the Catholic faith. She loved to cook and bake, especially her famous sour cream coffee cake! She was creative & stylish & loved to dance. Nothing surpassed her love for her family. Her children mean more to her than anything. She was an amazing woman, with strength beyond words. Eileen had the ability to command attention from an entire room and also to give full attention in a one-one-one conversation. She was rightfully proud of her “gift of gab”!

Eileen is preceded in death by her mother, Kathleen Wallace Rowe and brother, Kevin Rowe. She is dancing with them as we celebrate her life.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Tilford; sons Benjamin Bliss of Bridgeport, CT, Keith Bliss (Gioia Bliss) of Cary, NC, Todd Bliss (Rosemary Bliss) of Garner, NC and daughters Heather Bliss (Bill Trudeau) of Norwalk, CT, Emilie Blaine of New Haven, CT and Kaeli Blaine of Madeira Beach, FL. Eileen leaves twelve grandchildren to continue her legacy; Carter Bliss (11), Lillian Trudeau (10), Adora Bliss (10), Cameron Bliss (8), Ella Trudeau (7), Kaia Bliss (7), Piper Simmons (6), Sawyer Bliss (5), Ethan Bliss (5), Hazelle Trudeau (3), James Monaco (1) and Camille Trudeau (1).

A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 1:00pm at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 804 High House Road, Cary, NC 27513. Flowers can be sent to the church directly. A reception will be held at the home of Keith & Gioia Bliss at 116 Burgwin Wright Way, Cary, NC 27519 following the service from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Please come join us as we celebrate Eileen’s life and legacy.

An additional Memorial Mass will be held in her hometown of Ridgefield, Connecticut for family and friends at a later date this fall/winter.

As education was so important to Eileen, and at her passing had little means, other memorial contributions may be made to the Eileen Rowe Tilford Education Fund for her grandchildren. These contributions will be placed in 529 College Fund accounts. Donations can be mailed c/o Keith Bliss, 115 Dry Avenue, Cary, NC 27511.