Eileen O'Connor

Eileen O’Connor died peacefully at home on June 26, 2024, with family at her side.

The eldest of James and Elaine Clavin’s 14 children, Eileen was born in New Rochelle, New York on September 30th, 1947. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Darren, her four children, Tanya, Tasha (Dave), Niko, and Daniel (Regina), her 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

Eileen was predeceased by her parents, brother Jimmy, and brother-in-law Randy Knob. She is survived by 12 of her siblings: Mary, Ann, Teresa, Virginia, Thomas, Jane, Joseph, Kathy, Patty, Richard, Elizabeth and Terry.

Eileen obtained her bachelor’s degree at the College of New Rochelle, her master’s degree at Polytechnic University of NY, and her PhD at the State University of New York at Albany. She worked at IBM and taught at The College of St. Rose, UAlbany, RPI, and Empire State College (as Professor of Education).

A devout Catholic and a daily communicant for many years, Eileen’s life was above all centered on Jesus Christ. The highlight of her days was attending Mass, reading Scripture, and praying the Rosary, and she was deeply devoted to St. Thérèse of Lisieux and St. Faustina. Always eager to listen compassionately, nothing gave her more joy than witnessing souls opening to God’s love.

Eileen was dedicated to her children and grandchildren, and to helping others materially as well as spiritually. Always generous and passionate for using innovative educational techniques to benefit underserved children, she expended enormous amounts of time and energy in her work to ensure that her gifts and talents helped others. Her work included the founding of an online educational program, Interactive Learning Solutions, which trained hundreds of teachers in mathematics and technology.

Although Eileen’s battle with cancer began earlier, it became especially grave when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2015. Nevertheless, she miraculously beat all the odds, allowing her to enjoy several new grandchildren and her first great-grandchild, and to touch countless souls. Upon her initial diagnosis, Eileen was told she would live a few years at most. Instead, with the help of many prayers from loved ones who trusted that God would give this wonderful soul extra time on earth, Eileen stayed with us for nine beautiful years. Although she suffered greatly throughout these years of many surgeries, treatments, and hospital stays, she always followed her own advice: “offer it up.” Never a complainer but always working hard for what is good and true, Eileen’s legacy will not be easily forgotten.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, NY on Monday July 1, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday July 2, 2024 at 10:00 am at Catholic Community of Sacred Heart, 310 Spring Ave., Troy, NY. Burial will follow the Mass at St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, NY. Post-funeral gathering to be announced.

To share a memory of Eileen or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.