Eileen F Delaney

Eileen Frances Delaney, beloved sister, niece, cousin, and friend, daughter of the late Henry H. and Catharine Rowe Delaney, and sister of the late Catharine Lynn Delaney, passed away on Saturday, April 14, 2012.

Eileen was born on November 14, 1935, in Harrisburg, PA, was a graduate of Harrisburg Catholic High School in 1953, and received a Bachelor of Science in Education from West Chester State Teacher's College in 1957.

After moving to Florida from Harrisburg in 1958, she attended Florida Atlantic University, graduating in 1970 with a Master's Degree in Education. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Broward County for 40 years. Her fierce dedication to educating children was only rivaled by her love of baseball and jazz music.

After retiring from teaching in 1997, she combined her love of baseball with her passion for helping children. She served as a Board Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, and as a Board Member of the Florida (now Miami) Marlins Fan Club, reading and responding to fan mail. Well into her 70's, she attended more than 60 home games a year.

An avid traveler, Eileen traveled the world with family and friends to Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and throughout the United States. A staunchly religious woman and devout Irish Catholic, she never missed an opportunity to preach the benefits of Irish culture, which typically included prayer, followed by good conversation and infinite laughs with friends and family over a few drinks. She took issue with those who rooted against Notre Dame football. And she never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Her infectious personality and unparalleled sense of humor was reflected in the countless number of friends she had, and the even countless more strangers that were soon considered friends.

Eileen is survived by her sister, Mary Anne Delaney, as well as many, many loving cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers family is requesting donations be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Broward County.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 22, at 4 p.m. in the Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 2401 S. University Drive, Davie. A mass will be held on Monday, April 23, at 10:30 a.m., at St. David's Catholic Church, 3900 South University Drive, Davie, followed by a short graveside service at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1500 State Route 7, North Fort Lauderdale.