Eileen Overath Ewing

Born in Orange, NJ, Eileen was the fifth of seven children of George and Margaret Overath. She grew up in Livingston, NJ, in a busy household where her bond with her siblings became a lifelong source of strength. She fondly recalled playing outside with her friends and family as well as trips to the Jersey Shore, which fostered her deep love of the water.

Eileen married William (Bill) Ewing in 1971 after he swept her off her feet and promised her a life together—ring first. They lived briefly in Illinois, where daughter Jill was born, before returning to New Jersey and ultimately settling in Monmouth County. There, they built a home filled with love and support, faithfully attending Jill’s recitals, games, and concerts, and cheering on her academic accomplishments.

Eileen and Bill shared a passion for sailing, racing one-design sailboats including Flying Scots, Albacores, and Lightnings. While Bill often skippered, Eileen was a skilled sailor in her own right. She helped found the “NautiGals,” an all-women’s sailing group at Monmouth Boat Club, and established the Eileen Ewing Memorial Trophy for the annual Women’s Championship race.

When Jill was in high school, Eileen returned to her studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in art from Georgian Court College (NJ). She launched a successful freelance graphic design business, Carousel Graphics, embracing the digital transformation of her field. Her creativity extended to sewing, photography, and crafting annual family calendars treasured by all.

In retirement, Eileen and Bill enjoyed walks, day trips to Atlantic City, winters in Naples, FL, and caring for their beloved rescue dog, Taco. They also supported each other through difficult health journeys, both surviving cancer diagnoses in the late 2000s.

Eileen found great joy in being a grandmother to JJ, born in 2005. In his early years, she helped him learn to swim, wrote him letters, and preserved their shared memories in handmade books. Later, she followed his academic and athletic pursuits with pleasure, remarking recently how his work ethic may have been influenced by his Granddad, Bill.

After Bill’s passing in 2022, Eileen lived independently in New Jersey until moving to Baltimore in 2024 to be closer to her daughter and her family.

Eileen is survived by her daughter Jill Ewing Flynn, son-in-law John Flynn, and grandson John (JJ); her brother John Overath and sisters Margaret Ernst, Kathryn McChesney, Regina McKenna, and Eleanor Maddy; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, George Overath, her husband William Ewing, her niece Carol Overath, and her nephews Michael McKenna and Jay McChesney.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center or a charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home, 145 E Mount Pleasant Ave, Livingston, New Jersey, 07039, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Another small gathering will be held at Springwell Senior Living in Baltimore at 5pm on October 29, 2025.