Mary Ellen O'Connell

Mary Ellen O’Connell, cherished mother and grandmother,passed away peacefully just shy of her 88th birthday surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday April 23, 2025 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Affectionately known as “Eileen” and “Eilo,” she was daughter of Irish immigrants born in the Bronx, to Charles O'Connell and Nellie Stanton who immigrated from Cork, Ireland. She was predeceased by her parents and her older brother, George "Mickey" O'Connell, with whom she shared countless memories of growing up in a vibrant Irish community with many relatives centered around Gaelic Park, where the Irish of New York had a formidable presence. More than anything else, Eileen was most proud of her seven children who she raised lovingly as a single parent in Cresskill, New Jersey. she faced this challenge with remarkable courage and determination. She Worked tirelessly to provide for her family. Eileen was the “rock” and cornerstone of her family. Her dignity and strength of character defined her approach to life's challenges and Eileen managed to provide experiences many single-parent households couldn’t afford including vacations and camps. Her generosity extended beyond her own family where she always had her door open for everyone. Later in life, when her beloved father became ill, Eileen demonstrating the same selfless devotion she showed her children to care for him.Her success as a parent is evident in the lives of her children. All seven grew up to have successful careers and beautiful families an achievement that filled her with quiet pride. Her family expanded to include her 19 grandchildren whom she loved deeply, and she attended as many of their activities and events as possible, no matter the distance. After retiring from her dedicated career Eileen spent her golden years at the Jersey Shore, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. Her passion for all things Irish never waned, from her unwavering support of Notre Dame Football (Go Irish!) and Cork Hurling(Up Cork!) to her love of traditional Irish music and lively family gatherings, always with the singing of Irish songs . Eileen will be deeply missed. She is survived by her children, Ellen Senese and her husband John John Dowling and his wife Sharon, Chuck Dowling and his wife Pam, Patrick Dowling and his wife Teri, Liam Dowling and his wife Kathy Maggie Connolly and her husband Mike and James Dowling, her 19 grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A wake will be held at Barrett’s Funeral Home in Tenafly on Friday, May 2, from 4 – 8 pm. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Therese Church in Cresskill on Saturday, May 3 at 9:30 am. Burial will immediately follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, New York. May she be welcomed into heaven with open arms by those who departed before her, for a celebration like no other. Godspeed, Eileen O'Connell. Slán abhaile – safe home.