Eileen Harrington

Heaven gained one of its greatest angels, Eileen Patricia Harrington, 66, of Hyattsville, Maryland, who passed away December 5th, 2021 after a long struggle with health issues. Eileen was born on January 21,1955 to the late Robert “Robbie” and Mary “Cis” Harrington.

She is survived by her four siblings:  Rose Johnston (Walt); Betty Anne Harrington (Louie), Noreen Burns (Steve) and Kerry Harrington; ten nieces and nephews:  Matthew Johnston, Chrissy Troncoso, Stephen Ward, Kaitlyn Burns, Emily Harrington, Alexis Swoboda, Ryan Burns, Bridget Johnston, Colin Burns and Zack Burns; and three great nieces and nephews:  Dylan Ward, Eli and JoJo Troncoso, as well as many cousins and friends.

Eileen was born with special needs but was one of the strongest, most independent, determined, loving, and amazing women you will ever meet.  She was always there to give a helping hand and offer unconditional love to everyone she met.  She graduated from Bowie Special Center in 1974 and obtained a certificate at Prince George’s Community College.  After graduating, she attended Melwood Horticultural Center to pursue her love of flowers and plants.  She volunteered at the Randolph Hills Nursing Home in Rockville, Maryland, for many years, and worked numerous different jobs in the hospitality industry, her last job before retiring was working for Rehabilitation Opportunities Incorporated (ROI).

After her retirement she joined the CALMRA Senior Center where she reconnected with many of her old friends, where her days were filled with activities, field trips and parties. Eileen spent the last four years living at the Lackawanna House, with two of her friends from the Senior Center and three wonderful and loving caretakers (Judy Friday, Isata Mansaray, and Cassandra Chijoke) who made sure she had a busy, fulfilling, and active life.

Her passions were spending time with immediate and extended family (annual cousins party/family reunions, holidays, and game nights), and taking care of people, especially her nieces and nephews.  Eileen enjoyed bowling, competing in the Special Olympics, writing, puzzles, playing bingo or any board games, watching football (especially her favorite team the Washington Redskins), singing, dancing, and spending time with friends.

Family and friends will shed happy tears when they think of how she made a difference in their life with so much love, fun and laughter throughout the years.  She always had a smile on her face.  She had a magical way of bringing joy every time she walked into the room.  No one who met her could forget her smile.

Eileen will be missed but she will remain in our hearts.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 14th, 2021, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Gasch’s Funeral Home, P.A., 4739 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20781.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 5205 43rd Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20781 on Wednesday, December 15th, 2021 at 11:00 a.m.  Procession to Gate of Heaven Cemetery for her burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to in her name to CALMRA, Inc., whose mission is to improve the lives of persons with developmental disabilities.  Donations can be sent to: 14100 Laurel Park Drive, Laurel, MD  20707 or through website – www. CALMRA.org.