Eileen Rose Bridget Ferron

“Peaches” Ferron died May 28, 2026, after a valiant fight against cancer. In her final days she was surrounded with love from her extended family, lifelong friends and countless people she influenced with her ever cheerful outlook. She just returned from an Ireland visit with her sister , Barbara. Appropriately, she visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Knock, The Golden Rose of Ireland. Also visiting that Eucharistic and Marian Shrine was Barbara’s son Bradley and his fiancée, Candice Rusie.

Throughout her illness she placed herself in God’s Hands. She fought with dignity and faith.

On her final day, she prayed as a priest was anointing her, giving absolution and offering Holy Communication. She could only weakly whisper the accompanying prayers. However, when asked if she was ready to receive the Grace of His Lord, she sat up. With a clear voice, she exclaimed, “Yes, I am so ready!”

Eileen was born August 12, 1955. On the trip home from the hospital in Cleveland, Ohio her father, Jack Ferron, introduced her to her other five siblings as “a peach” of a sister. That nickname stuck. It perfectly indicated her ever present traits, sweetness, beauty and bursting with delight.

She was the youngest and protected by four sisters and a brother plus a guardian angel, who she kept very busy. When she was a 10 month old baby the Ferron house was crushed by a 50 year sycamore tree in tornadic winds. Her bedroom wall was smashed. The window directly over her crib could have been destroyed by a large limb as she slept. However, that overhanging limb was slashed away as the tree twisted and fell. She was snatched out of bed and rushed to the basement before that bedroom caved in.

The number of times her guardian angel protected her from calamities over the years from high school onward are too numerous to mention. They can be recalled in vivid detail by Tina Gray Naseef who was with her from the first day in school to her last breath. Their friendship defined the term “life long.”

Eileen was a family “extender.” If you met her, she treated you like family. No better example is Dylan Venable. Dylan was the “son she never had.” Dylan was 6 years old when he met Eileen. That changed both of their lives. He was a neighbor who needed the protection and mentorship of Peaches. For two decades, she spent days, meals, trips, homework and fun together. Dylan experience firsthand both her compassionate soul and ‘parenthood’ generosity. Dylan grew into a young successful man, a tribute to love given freely. He became her family and then became part of the Ferron clan. During her illness, Dylan’s frequent visits became the medicine she needed to rally her energy for all other guests To him “Peach made people feel welcomed, loved and deeply cared for… no matter anyone’s circumstances, her warmth, wisdom and selflessness touched countless lives. She will be cherished forever.”

Over the arc of her life, she had one sister who watched her, guided her and corrected her when needed. Barbara was Eileen’s “go to person” for advice. Barbara offered her house for Peaches’ hospice final journey. Barbara’s daughter, Emily, had special needs. Peaches helped her sister spending hours playing, hugging, watching movies and with bonding with Emily. Their daily relationship was pure gold, pure love and unmatched happiness. When she needed iPad help, her call was “Each! Each!” Emily will forever associate unselfish kindness with Eileens’ nickname.

Eileen was predeceased by our sister Susan who spent her life in Special Education classes. Eileen and Barbara doubled-teamed Susan’s care, education and recreation at the Knights of Columbus pool for more than 30 years. If Susan needed anything those two managed to find a way. Whether it was a bike ride, a car trip to church or a friend’s house or sharing afternoon snacks, they were there. Now, Susan gets to show Eileen around God’s Paradise, especially the many swimming pools.

She was predeceased by her parents, John J. and E. Mary Foley Ferron. In true Irish character she lived in the Ferron Arlington, VA, house with Jack, Mary and Susan until each died. Then, in retirement her condo “cottage” remained a shrine to them, their Irish history, the family faith and numerous cats Eileen adopted.

Over her lifetime, Eileen’s list of animal pets is too lengthy to list. Each of them crossed the rainbow bridge healthier and happier to have been discovered and cared for by her.

Her siblings Mary Patricia (Michel Canes), John J Ferron (Lynn), Margaret/Peg (Micheal Downey deceased) and Barbara Templeman (Edward Templeman) welcome their loving sister’s restoration to eternal life rather than mourn her death. Heaven is a happier place with Peaches. The wide span of cousins, nieces and nephews who will forever call her Aunt Peach has lost an example of a loving, tender and caring relative who loved them all deeply. She prayed for each one daily. They will all miss her holiday Cherry Bread deliveries.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday August 1, 2026

11:00 AM Cathedral of St Thomas More

3901 Cathedral Lane

Arlington, VA 22203

Peaches’ Celebration of Life will follow immediately at the Church Hall

For those who are able, she asks donations to be directed to either

The ADULT SERVICES PROGRAM, (Ear marked for Emily Templeman)

St. COLETTA of GREATER WASHINGTON in Alexandria

207 South Peyton Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

Or

ANY local animal shelter groups of your choosing