Obituary of Eileen P. Willard

CATSKILL, NY – Eileen P. Willard, of Greene Meadows Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2016, joining her beloved husband Nick in heaven. Eileen was born on October 1, 1929 in Troy, NY and was the second child of the late Francis and Florence Dwyer. She lived the majority of her life in her home on Western Avenue in Glens Falls, NY. Eileen was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School in Schenectady, NY graduating in 1946. She briefly attended Albany Medical Center School of Nursing and transferred to St. Mary's Hospital for additional training as a laboratory technician. Eileen was a Cytotechnologist working as a lab technician for Glens Falls Hospital for 25 years. From there, Eileen retired and worked part time as a clerk for the NY State Department of Labor under the Green Thumb program. Eileen loved to downhill and cross country ski and was a member of The National Ski Patrol having volunteered at Hickory Hill in Warrensburg, NY and Whiteface Mountain in Wilmington, NY. She taught her children and their friends how to ski and enjoyed family time on the mountains with them. Eileen was a member of the Siberian Husky Club of America as well as Glens Falls Kennel Club. She enjoyed showing her Huskies (Champion Alakazan Satan Sitka, CD and Snowridges Hurricane Kandi) and working with the members of Glens Falls Kennel Club at shows and events. As an avid gardener, Eileen produced beautiful flowers and vegetables in various gardens on her property. She enjoyed the annual ritual of preparation and canning of chili sauce and bread and butter pickles with the kids which were enjoyed by everyone. Eileen's children and grandchildren were the center of her life. Survivors include her son Nick, daughter Amy (Gossman), grandchildren Amelia Caro, Emily Sears, grandson Michael McCutcheon, Great granddaughter Brooke, Great grandson Anthony, and Great Grandson, Mac. Her husband Nick passed away in September of 1969. Besides her parents, her sisters Jane and Anne predeceased Eileen. She is survived by her sister Mary and brother Frank. Eileen's family is very thankful to the folks at Home Sweet Home in Athens, Community Hospice of Columbia and Greene County as well as Greene Meadows Nursing and Rehabilitation facility for their support and guidance. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations are sent in her name to the following organizations: The Glens Falls Kennel Club National Ski Patrol PO Box 206 133 South Van Gordon Street, Suite100 Glens Falls, NY 12801 Lakewood, CO 80228 At Eileen's request, a private graveside service with family and friends was conducted. Funeral arrangements were completed by A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home Condolences can be made to the family at www.ajcunninghamfh.com