Eileen Thompson

Eileen Thompson, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on December 28, 2025, surrounded by love. Born on June 19, 1945, in Burnopfield, County Durham, England, Eileen lived a life defined by resilience, creativity, adventure, and a deep devotion to family.

Eileen grew up in Coventry and graduated from Heart of England School in July 1960 at just 15 years old. She began her professional life immediately as a telegraphist, working a switchboard—an early glimpse of her independence, work ethic, and confidence. In June 1968, she courageously emigrated from England to New York, beginning the great American chapter of her life. She worked as a live-in au pair on Long Island, then as a bartender, and later in advertising as an assistant producer of television commercials. A gifted seamstress, Eileen made her own beautiful, professional wardrobe and loved her work so much that she fondly recalled meeting members of the original Saturday Night Live cast in 1975—while pregnant with her twin daughters.

In 1975, Eileen welcomed identical twin girls, Kristin and Tracy. Being their mother was one of her proudest joys. She lovingly made their clothing, created a warm beautiful home, and balanced motherhood with a successful career, including work as a realtor on Long Island.

In January 1984, Eileen married the love of her life, Royal. Their partnership was one of true devotion, laughter, and adventure. They moved to Virginia Beach in 1986 and together owned and operated a restaurant in Norfolk VA. Later, one of her favorite memories was the surprise 50th birthday Royal secretly arranged for her at the hotel where they both worked—she unknowingly planned her own celebration.

Eileen began as a passenger before earning her motorcycle license so she and Royal could ride side-by-side on their Harleys, joining friends at events like Rolling Thunder in Washington, D.C., and Sturgis, South Dakota.

They also explored England and Spain together while visiting her two beloved brothers.

When Royal was diagnosed with cancer, Eileen never left his side. She cared for him with unwavering love, courage, and loyalty until his passing in October 2001. Afterward, showing the strength that defined her, Eileen returned to school and earned an associate degree in Interior Design, graduating magna cum laude at the age of 60.

Two years after Royal passed, Eileen became ‘Nana’ when her first grandchild, Alexis Eileen, was born, and her greatest joy became her grandchildren. She made Mesa, Arizona her home in 2007, where she lived until her passing, aside from three years back in Virginia when her second grandchild Brian started kindergarten. During that time, she formed a special bond with her grandson, ‘My Boy,’ as she called him, and in 2016 the three of them—Eileen, Kristin, and Brian—returned to Arizona together.

In 2018, Eileen celebrated 50 years in the United States with a grand party, surrounded by friends and family from near and far. Eileen was a successful real estate agent selling homes in Mesa’s active adult communities during her first years in Arizona, and she happily returned to it when she came back—again becoming a familiar, friendly face known for her warm smile and soft British accent. Her neighbors formed a cherished group called the “Northeast Corner Sisterhood,” meeting weekly on her beautiful deck to share stories and friendship.

Eileen’s proudest role was being Nana to her three grandchildren—Alexis, Brian, and Zach. Though they lived in different states, she made every effort to bring them together for adventures, travel, and memories that will last a lifetime. In June 2025, family and friends gathered from all over to celebrate her 80th birthday—a joyful tribute to a woman who meant so much to so many.

We lovingly called her our ‘Miracle Mummy’—a true survivor who faced every chapter of life with grace, strength, class, and dignity. She knew how blessed she was, and we are endlessly grateful that she was ours. We will miss her beyond words, and her love, courage, elegance, and beautiful spirit will live on in us forever.

Eileen is survived by her daughters, Kristin and Tracy DiBartolo; her grandchildren, Alexis, Brian, and Zach; and many dear friends and extended family who will forever cherish her funny stories, her zest for life, her warrior spirit, and her gentle, kind heart.

She is now reunited with her forever love, Royal.

She was preceded in death by her brother Kenneth and sister-in-law Pat, and her brother David.

Eileen Thompson was truly one of a kind—and the world is better for the love she gave. There will be a Celebration of Life in the early spring.