Eileen J. Commerford, age 87, passed away on August 16, 2021, at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center , NYC. Born on February 11, 1934, at CPMC (Sloane) to Howard R. and Catherine E. Duffy in Manhattan, NY. She briefly lived in the Bronx before moving to Ft. Lee, N.J. where she attended Madonna Elementary School, and two years of H.S. at Ft Lee High. The Family then moved to Westwood, N.J. where she graduated from Westwood High School, in 1952.

Eileen married the love of her life, Robert C. Commerford on January 16,1954, in Elkton, Maryland after a failed attempt on their first elopement in December, 1953, due to a hold up at a gas station they were at, and a blizzard, that turned them back to NJ. They returned to a surprise celebration by both their families after they were finally married, and they celebrated their 65th anniversary in 2019. They had a lifetime of many years of happiness and, most of all, unconditional love. My Father always signed his cards to my Mother "You were the best thing that ever happened to me." My Mom dittoed that sentiment.

Eileen worked for I.B.M and then at Lederle's prior to moving to Middletown, NY. She did not work while raising her three children except for Avon calling with her youngest, while the two oldest were in school. When all three children were in school, she worked as a waitress at the Emers on Hotel, in Emerson, NJ and was affectionately named Sam by the staff and customers to this day. Her family when she was growing up called her Snooks, another name that stayed with her forever. She then worked closer to home at Archie's Inn in Middletown with the owners, Archie and Ann Barberio who were lifelong friends. She stopped working when she developed cardiomyopathy from a virus after a trip to Mexico with another one, of her best friends, the late Doreen Desantis Lecakes. Eileen was a self- taught artist and spent a lot of time creating her art works, she was involved with her late friend Carol Galietta in the Art Council shows and won ribbons on her oil painting, watercolors and acrylics. She enjoyed playing the piano by ear, but never got around to taking lessons.

In 1997, Eileen was placed on the top of the list for a Heart Transplant and was admitted to CPMC March 3rd and on March 16th when a heart became available to her. Her next journey in life began, which would never have occurred if not for the "Gift of Life" from her donor and her family. She never got to meet the family as that was not allowed at that time, but she was able to give them an oil painting and a letter through the Organ Donation Network and she vowed to cherish and take care of " their heart" 100% and she honored that by following all the doctors advise and prayed for the donor and her family every single day of her life.

Eileen was truly a medical miracle.

A special thanks to the Transplant team at New York Presbyterian hospital as our mother was able to obtain twenty-four plus years of meaningful life with all of us, because of their efforts. In Addition, the family is grateful for the numerous medical professionals whose outstanding care contributed greatly to so many additional years with her loved ones, especially each and everyone on the 5th floor CCU North and South, there are no words to convey how thankful we are to all of you during her last two months in your care.

Eileen throughout her life was one of the strongest, most determined people we have ever known, mentally, physically and spiritually. She led by example. She never gave up and she fought hard to get better and always said “don’t count me out." when no one thought she could pull through on so many occasions. She never complained, no matter how hard things were. When asked how she does it she would just say "I gave it to God." She patterned her life in her Christian belief and truly lived her faith God. However, God saw that she was tired, she missed our father tremendously and although she tried hard to win this last battle, to be able to spend more time with her family, it was just not meant to be. She was truly a special individual who will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her and she will live on in each and every one’s heart’s, never to be forgotten.

Eileen was survived by her three Children Jeanine, Stephen and Robyn (Alan), Her Grandchildren Alexis Commerford and Matthew Sellers (Katrina) and her Great Grandchildren Christopher, Jesse, Edith and Ella.

She is survived by her sisters Kathleen Trippodo, Christine Stemple, Maureen Ambrey (Robert) and Barbara Bogart (Robert). Numerous Nieces and Nephews too many to list but all deeply loved.

Her Friends Katie Lakin, Ann Thomas, Kathy Stawarz, Claire Smith, Diana and Rebecca, Barbara Fortin, Jackie Gizelle, and Erika Saleh

A Special Thank You to Susan Cech, NP for the devoted support and continued friendship along with Mary Glave for the wonderful care you gave the last two years; we are forever thankful for the love you both showered her with each and every day. She truly loved you and so do we.

She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Robert C. Commerford, son-in-law Thomas C. Sellers, brothers Howard and Jay Duffy, brother-in-law Robert Stemple, Bradley Commerford and John Commerford , along with sisters-in-law Ruth Schneider, Carol Farrell and Jeanette Commerford.

Eileen requested that if you have not done so, please consider signing Organ Donation on your license; it truly was a gift to her and everyone who loved her. Please do not send flowers, instead donate to a charity of your choice or to any animal shelter, to help other in need.

Eileen’s Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday October 16, 2021, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Church, located at 149 Cottage St, Middletown, NY 10940.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Thomas & Brendan Flynn and the staff of Flynn Funeral & Cremation Memorial Centers, Inc.