Eileen Marie Sullivan (nee Conroy) passed away peacefully at the age of 98 at her home in Wayne, Pa. on January 20, 2024, surrounded by family.

She was preceded in death in 1998 by her beloved husband, Joseph J. Sullivan, Sr., and recently by her daughter-in-law, Ruth Sullivan. Last month, she lost her youngest son John, who had been lovingly cared for by his dearest Susan.

Eileen was the devoted mother of Joe (Ruth), Kevin (Haidee), Mike (Pat), Brian (Hildred), Dennis (Cindy), Martin (Karen), John (Susan) and daughter, Maureen.  In Eileen's later years Maureen was her wonderful and loving caregiver.

She was the grandmother of Joseph J. Sullivan III, (Jen), Ruth S. Pulliam (Chad), Lauren O'Leary (PJ), as well as Sean, Taegh (Ali), Patrick (Taylor), Bridget, Dan, Ryan (Samantha) and Shane Sullivan. She was great grandmother to twelve wonderful children: Connor, Ryan, Madeline, Charles, Emma, Thaddeus, Patrick, Felicity, Micaela, Olivia, Rory and Quinn. She is survived by her brother Kevin Conroy and sister Nancy Devlin, and was predeceased by her brother John (Jack) and her sister Mary (Molly).

Eileen was born to John J. Conroy and Mary (Molloy) Conroy in Philadelphia.  The family later moved to Pelham Rd. in Beechwood, where she grew up and was childhood friends with her future husband, Joe. Eileen attended Annunciation grade school in Havertown where she won the American Legion award in 8th grade for the highest general average. She was very proud of that medal and held on to it for her lifetime. (Winning the award in 8th grade also earned her a gently used bicycle from her parents, which thrilled her).  Upon graduation, she went on to attend the Notre Dame School for girls where she also excelled in her studies. She considered nursing school, but the family could not afford the tuition. Instead, she became employed at a Philadelphia bank, the First Pennsylvania Company following high school. This job became an important source of income to help support her family following the sudden death of her mother Mary when Eileen was twenty years old. She remained at First Pennsylvania until she married her sweetheart Joe, after the conclusion of his Army service in World War II. She cherished Joe's letters from Europe during the war, and she often re-read them later in her life.

In the early 1960's, the growing Sullivan family moved to Wootton Rd. in Bryn Mawr, close to St. Aloysius Academy, where all, except Maureen, attended. Eileen maintained a closet full of maroon and navy blue school uniforms (and legions of cordovan shoes for most school days, but also black shoes for First Fridays)   to be passed down as the boys progressed through school. The St. AA years brought with them hours and hours of school events for Eileen, not to mention packing daily lunches for the kids. Eileen and Joe attended many, many football and basketball games, field day events, May Processions, parent teacher conferences, women's club fashion shows, fathers' club fundraisers and graduation upon graduation. After a number of years, Eileen was chosen for a special award and recognition from St. AA for her devotion to the school and her children, but she did not wish to be in the limelight, and graciously turned it down.

Eileen inherited her father's "green thumb" and created a beautiful flower garden within sight of the back patio. The centerpiece of that garden was a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom Eileen was devoted and to whom she often prayed. The back lawn and gardens were sometimes home to not only a procession of dogs, but also a menagerie of animals, including ducks, geese, chickens and pheasants. The dinners she made every night were like clockwork, based on her retinue of menus (fish sticks every Friday!) with Thanksgiving Day always being a special feast she created from scratch. Her devotion to her husband and her children was tireless and never ending.

Eileen was a mother to eight children but a source of love to many more. She will be remembered for her humorous personality, voracious love of socializing and family, and lifelong interest in books, crossword puzzles, and gardening. She also loved the summer time Jersey beaches in Ocean City, Avalon and Sea Isle. At any time, she could be found holding court in her living room or watching the birds on her back deck while talking about current events and her lifetime of memories. At 98 years old, Eileen still remained energetic and full of life.

Relatives and friends are invited to Eileen's Funeral Mass at St. John Neumann Church, 380 Highland Ln., Bryn Mawr, PA  at 10:00 AM on Friday, February 9th with a burial to follow in St. Denis Cemetery in Havertown, PA.