Eileen K. McGarry (nee Barrett), 89, of West Brighton will be forever remembered for her loving presence, easy laugh, and dedication to family. She passed away on Thursday, Sept. 24, in Riverview Medical Center, Red Bank, N.J., following a period of illness.
Born and bred in the Bronx, upon graduation from Walton High School, Eileen began her career as a representative of a number of classic American companies, including Mobil and Coca-Cola. Known for her timeless beauty, Eileen modeled as a Grace Kelly lookalike, and won the New York Daily News' competition as a “double” for the Princess of Mona
In the summer of 1955, Eileen met her future husband, John J. (Jack) Mc Garry, (deceased) on the beach in Avon, N.J. His classic jokes and quick wit won over the future Mrs. McGarry. The couple fell in love and wed in 1957
Initially settling in New Brighton surrounded by generations of McGarrys, Eileen, Jack and their young family switched zip codes and moved to Sunset Hill in 1967. Over the next five decades the home of Eileen and Jack McGarry was hallmarked by constant laughter, Irish songs, family holidays, impromptu parties and their four children -- Jack, Kathy, Mark and Brian.
As a mother, a neighbor and a friend, Eileen was an active member of the Staten Island community, serving as a librarian at Sacred Heart School, a member of the St. Monica’s Mothers' Guild, and a fundraiser for The Cardinal’s Appeal. A woman ahead of her time, Eileen was an early adopter of healthy eating, vitamins, and yoga. Eileen also enjoyed bowling, visiting the Jersey Shore, singing enthusiastically and reading the New York Post with a hot cup of tea.
Above all, Eileen listened. Her commitment to making time for others as a comforting presence, sympathetic ear, kind word and source of wisdom was relied upon deeply by her family and friends. Eileen was a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Church — a central part of her life not only for her Catholic faith but also for the lasting bonds formed with her “Dunkin' Donuts” coffee crew.
Eileen’s friendships were everlasting. Cherishing her Bronx Irish roots, Eileen’s reunions at Gavin’s Irish County Inn with her childhood friends were an annual highlight. The friendship she treasured the most was with her older sister, Sheila, with whom she loved speaking endlessly and traveling the world.
Eileen is survived by her sons, Dr. John J. McGarry Jr., Mark B. McGarry and Brian E. McGarry, Esq.; daughter Katherine A. Connors; daughters-in-law Suzanne McGarry, Yuka McGarry and Tina Stilwell McGarry; son-in-law John P. Connors Jr., Esq. and eight grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Visiting is Sunday, 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 p.m. at Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Avenue. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart R.C. Church.
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