Eileen Anne Gannon Kenney passed away peacefully at home Feb. 12, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family.
Born May 7, 1937, in the Irish enclave of Greenville in Jersey City, Eileen’s childhood was rich with family and blessed by friendships that lasted a lifetime. To know Eileen was to know the essence of kindness, good humor, loyalty and faith.
She graduated from Saint Aloysius Academy and continued her education at Notre Dame College of Staten Island. A Francophile, she also spent time in Paris. Eileen worked as a French teacher at Abraham Lincoln and Henry Snyder high schools in Jersey City. She was a member of the Junior League, was a voracious reader and had an enduring love for music.
On a snowy day in 1962, Eileen tested the mettle of a gentleman by having him wait in Journal Square before their first date. It was love at first sight and Eileen married Joseph T. Kenney Sr. on May 4, 1963. Eileen and Joe were blessed with eight children: Mary Eileen Baltes (Mike) of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; John (Mary) of Wayzata, Minnesota; Joseph (Darrah) of Rumson; Anne of Little Silver; William (Dorothy) of Rumson; Teresa Sperber (Paul) of Rumson; Gerard (Stephanie) of Rumson; and Patrick (Jill) of Fairfield, Connecticut.
Together, they built a life immersed in family and a driving Catholic faith that guided their every action. Eileen was a fierce advocate for her children and an adoring wife.
Soon after starting their family, Eileen and Joe settled in Rumson. As a parishioner at Holy Cross Church in Rumson, Eileen was a daily communicant, served on the Altar Guild and was cofounder of the athletic program at Holy Cross School, where she also taught French. In 1985, Eileen and Joe relocated their family to Yardley, Pennsylvania. There, they were graced with many deep and abiding friendships with their neighbors who became like family. Eventually, Eileen and Joe resettled in Little Silver.
Known as “Eila” to her grandchildren, nothing delighted her more than being with them. Each knew in their heart that they were her favorite, a particular skill that she effortlessly possessed and conveyed to her own children as “the secret to being a good parent.”
She loved to say the rosary with her friends and family. Her selflessness was unparalleled and her devotion to her family was unequivocal. Eileen passed secure in the knowledge that she left her family unbroken in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Eileen is survived by her husband of 61 years, Joe, her children and their spouses, 25 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her cherished brother and sister-in-law, William J. III and Rosemary D. Gannon of Morristown, and brother-in-law William W. Kenney of Norwalk, Connecticut, nine nieces and nephews, cousins and countless friends. Eileen was predeceased by her parents, William J. and Anne C. Gannon, her sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jane and Peter E. Warshaw, and her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Ann (Hudak) Kenney.
Visitation was Feb. 17, at Holy Cross Church. A Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Feb. 18 at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Next Step Programs, 204 North West St., Suite 102, Doylestown, PA 18901 or tnsprograms.org/in-memory-of-eileen.
The article originally appeared in the February 27 – March 5, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
