Eileen Patricia Fennessy passed away Friday, July 9, at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia, after a brave two-year battle with leukemia. In remission for 18 months and despite suffering from chronic neuropathy, she lived her last year with her typical zest for life, thoroughly enjoying and appreciating her family, her companion of ten years, Peter McCahill, and each and every one of her many devoted friends.
Eileen was born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on November 22, 1948, the loving daughter of Patrick F. Fennessy and Mary E. (Howard) Fennessy. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, going on to Emmanuel College in Boston, where she received a B.A in 1970. She then earned a J. D. from Suffolk University Law School in 1973, where she was a member of the Law Review. Eileen embarked on her law career in Boston and in 1976 joined the Office of General Counsel, Department of the Navy in Washington, D.C. This started her successful career in Washington, which spanned 35 years; she held various positions with the Department of the Navy and the Department of Justice, culminating in her appointment as a judge for the Department of Transportation Board of Contract Appeals in 1988. During her exceptional career Eileen received many awards and commendations, such as the Department of Justice Special Commendations for outstanding service. Eileen absolutely loved her law career and felt she had reached the pinnacle of her professional life once becoming a judge. Her illness forced her to retire in 2009, a decision she held off making until the very last day the paper work was due.
Eileen was a member of the American Bar Association - Public Contracts Section, the Board of Contract Appeals Judges’ Association, and the Association of Women Judges as well as the Massachusetts, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. bars. She was the Vice Chair and Deputy Chief Judge of the Board of Contract Appeals from 1988 to 2007.
During these exciting and rewarding years, many of Eileen’s colleagues became devoted lifelong friends. She had many groups of overlapping friends with whom she socialized often and traveled extensively. Additionally, she maintained very close friendships with her Emmanuel classmates, gathering when she would return home for visits, traveling to visit some who lived in other states, taking trips, and always returning for their reunions. Eileen recently attended her 40th reunion in June and had a wonderful time. At that time she was also able to attend her cousin Kara’s baby shower, and enjoy her favorite summer spot, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, with her family and beach friends at the seasonal business her family has owned for 45 years with longtime friend and business partner, Michael Marcoux. Eileen never missed a family gathering or a major holiday with her family at home.
Eileen was a voracious reader who also loved gardening, shopping, cooking, entertaining friends, singing, and traveling. She was a member of the Alexandria Choir from 1999 to 2005, performing regularly in their semi-annual concerts. She was fortunate to travel throughout Europe, Japan, China, and Russia, in addition to frequent visits to Ireland and England with her family and Paris with friends. She had hoped to return to Paris this fall.
Over the last few days, each and every family member and her many, many friends echoed the same sentiment. She was the best friend anyone could ever have, a rock that never faltered, always interested in others, genuine, charming, and feisty yet graceful, with a great sense of humor and a smile like no other. She loved her family, her friends, her career, and a good time. She lived life to the fullest. Eileen told everyone who saw her in the hospital not to be sad and that she had a wonderful life.
Eileen’s family sincerely thanks her home health aides Memuna Conceh of Alexandria, Virginia, and Maima Kolokoh of District Heights, Maryland, for the wonderful care and support they provided her during her illness. Eileen was so appreciative of their help, along with the love and support provided by her friends and family.
In addition to her partner, Peter, of Alexandria, and her mother, Mary E. Fennessy, she is survived by her loving sister, Mary Ellen Fennessy McDermott and her husband William McDermott of North Andover, Massachusetts; her beloved nephew, Patrick McDermott of North Andover; and Peter’s adored daughter, Scarlett McCahill of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She also leaves many first and second cousins with whom she was very close, in addition to her wonderful friends.
Her funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 19th, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Michael Church in North Andover, MA
Her burial will follow in Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Tewksbury, Massachusetts.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to call on Sunday, July 18th, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home, Inc., 35 Merrimack Street, North Andover, Massachusetts. For online condolences and other information please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com
Memorial Contributions may be made to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of the NAtional Capital Area
5845 Richmond Highway Suite 800
Alexandria, VA 22303
703-399-2900 Contact is Alyssa and you can mail or call and use a credit card