Eileen M. Touhey

Eileen Marie Touhey, 86, of Great Kills, Staten Island, NY, a beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 30, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 29, 1937, in the Park Slope section of Brooklyn, Eileen was the youngest of six children and the only daughter, born to John and Martha Kelly, who emigrated from Ireland in the 1920's. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers, John, James, Maurice, William and Daniel. A woman of deep faith, Eileen entered the convent after graduating high school and planned to devote her life to Christ, but left in her first year after complaining that the continuous ringing of church bells was driving her crazy. Regardless, she remained devoted to her faith but chose a different vocation. On October 17, 1964, at Holy Name Church in Brooklyn, she married James Touhey, who she met at a neighborhood dance in Queens. Eileen thought it was comical, since she was known to have two left feet and was not the best dancer. All dancing aside, Eileen and Jim were unfailingly devoted to each other and shared 59 years of marriage, side by side. Eileen was employed as a keypunch operator for many years, a position that eventually became obsolete. Her last employer was First Boston (Credit Suisse) with whom she spent twenty years. Once retired, she kept herself busy by volunteering and giving back to others. For over two decades, she volunteered at Staten Island University Hospital (South), where she was often referred to as ''The Gift Shop Lady.'' Eileen is survived by her loving husband, Jim, her son Jimmy of Philadelphia and her son, Patrick and daughter-in-law, Kim, of Staten Island, as well as the grandchildren she cherished most: Gavin, Elizabeth and Jack. Eileen enjoyed the simple pleasures of life -- drinking instant coffee, wearing comfortable shoes and getting her hair done weekly at the ''beauty parlor.'' She loved reading books, newspapers and listening to news on the radio. Watching football on TV was among her favorite pastimes. In her earlier years, she was on a bowling team and played bingo regularly at her parish church. Eileen was fond of gambling -- but within reason. Each year she would take an annual trip to Las Vegas with her husband or friends. When long plane rides became difficult, she pivoted to Atlantic City. Even into her 80's she loved playing the slot machines, especially at the Borgata. Occasionally, she would also play in poker tournaments. She delighted in beating men half her age. With a laugh, she would say that her ''old lady track suit'' disarmed them and made them sitting ducks. Eileen taught her sons how to balance a checkbook, how to help people in need, and how to compliment people whenever possible, since she pointed out that it would bring them joy as well. Most of all, it was her unconditional love and support that they will always remember and cherish. In lieu of flowers and cards, The Touhey Family suggests that you treat yourself to a $2 scratch-off lottery ticket in Eileen's memory. They know she'll be rooting for you to win big from the other side. Eileen always believed that everyone should have fun and dream big. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Eileen's parish of over 50 years, St. Clare Church on Staten Island, NY, on Friday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.

Eileen M. Touhey

March 29, 1937 - August 30, 2023