Obituary of Eileen C. McLaughlin

Eileen Clara McLaughlin (nèe McCartney) passed away on March 4, 2025, after a short illness. She lived a full life of 88 years.

Eileen was the heart of our family. She leaves behind her five children, Tim, Phil, Cathy (Pat) Curry, Maureen (Greg) Rhoads and Kevin (Jennifer Shanley). Her greatest loves, Sarah, Ryan, Coleen, Brian, Haley and Matthew, called her “Granma” and she was blessed to be Great-Granma to Emmie and Reece. She was lovingly known as “Aunt Cootie” and “Zizi” to her many beloved nieces and nephews

Eileen loved to spend time cooking and baking.  She baked Christmas cookies with her daughters and the grandkids every year to share with family and friends. For years, Eileen hosted a party after the West Orange St. Patrick’s Day parade and she baked Irish soda bread for everyone. We will cherish these memories.

She spent 20+ years working at Stern’s Department Store which became Macy’s, but her favorite job was at Friendly’s with her sister, Pat, and her friends.  She told stories of these times joyously and remembered all the fun they had together.

Eileen was born in Orange, NJ to Cornelius and Clara (nèe Burgess) McCartney.  She lived with her family in West Orange and Verona, NJ.  She is predeceased by her parents, her sisters Barbara Crate, Veronica Mills, Patricia Ball and her brothers, Hugh, Neil, Joe and Bill. She is survived by her brother Jim (Arlette), and her sister-in-law, Rosemary. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Eileen’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/give.