Eileen O'Hara's Obituary
Eileen Kerwin (Neary) O’Hara, age 74 of Lewes, DE passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 27, 2022. She was born on July 23, 1947, in Philadelphia, PA, daughter of the late Francis Leo Kerwin and Bertha M. (Friedrich) Keller.
Eileen dreamed of being a nurse at the age of five. She graduated from Bishop Egan High School in 1965. In 1966, Eileen had her only daughter, Denise. She fell ill a few years later and received her first kidney transplant in 1977. In 1979, Eileen realized her lifelong dream and graduated at the top of her class as Valedictorian from the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Bucks County Technical School. In 1989, she would receive her second kidney, this time 100% match.
In 1990, Eileen received her Associate of Nursing degree from Bucks County Community College. She worked in ICU, CCU, and telemetry. Eileen created an infectious control program and became Director of Staff Development and Director of Nursing (DON).
Eileen deeply loved her family and married the love of her life, Joseph M. O'Hara, and together traveled and lived life to the fullest. She had many interests and hobbies, including gardening and was particularly fond of nature. She also loved the beach and always had a special place in her heart for animals.
Eileen loved to volunteer and read to the children at Read aloud. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Village Improvement Association (VIA). Eileen also taught life support lessons for the Red Cross, safety driving courses for AARP, and CNA program at Delaware Technical Community College.
A wonderful and nurturing wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, she loved her family passionately. Eileen was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her stepdaughter, Sandra M. O'Hara, and her stepson, Brian C. O'Hara. Eileen is survived by her beloved husband, Joseph M. O'Hara; her daughter, Denise (Neary) Guckin; her stepsons: Joseph M. O'Hara, Jr. (Beth); Gregory M. O'Hara; her beloved grandchildren: Anthony R. Guckin, Kyle M. Guckin, Corey S. Guckin (and their father Joseph M. Guckin), Justin M. O'Hara, Colin K. O'Hara, Evan J. O'Hara, Logan H. O'Hara (Morgan), and Ashley H. Patterson (Aaron); her great grandchildren: Arlo and Finn Patterson; her sisters: Patricia L. Schwab (Ray); Christine E. Marchione (Henry); aunt Rosemary Kerwin; her brothers: David J. Kerwin (Donna), Michael P. Kerwin; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 2:00 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, where friends may visit beginning at 1:00 PM.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing protocols must be observed, and masks must be worn by everyone participating in any aspect of the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Eileen's memory to the American Kidney Fund, www.kidneyfund.org.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM, FRIDAY, 4/1, TO OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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