Eileen Elizabeth (McCarthy) Grier

Torrington-Eileen Elizabeth (McCarthy) Grier, 101, of Torrington, CT, passed away peacefully at her home on October 2, 2024 with her family by her side.

        Eileen was born on April 12, 1923 to the late Michael Leo and Agnes (Verba) McCarthy. She grew up in Torrington, and later moved to New York City where she met her beloved husband, Robert F. Grier, when they both worked for Western Union. After their marriage in 1947, they spent chapters in Torrington, Stamford and Middletown, before returning to Torrington in 1969. Bob predeceased her in 1997. She was also predeceased by her sister, Therese Cardinal and her stepfather, Nicholas Negri.

        Eileen is survived by her children: Karen Zaleski (John) of Cromwell, Nancy Grier of Ellington, Robert Grier (Sheri) of Oxford, Joan Grier of Farmington, and Jacqueline Grier of Cromwell. She was a cherished grandmother to Jay (Amanda), Michael (Alex), and Katelyn (Dave), and great grandmother “GE” to Sebby, Zoey, and Jack.

        Eileen was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, an archivist with the Torrington Historical Society, and a member of the Torrington Elks Lodge, where she enjoyed playing in the bowling league in her younger years.

        Her most important role was that of wife and mother to her five children. She raised them with unconditional love along with lots of laughter and lots of hugs. To know Eileen was to feel her warmth and generosity. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome, as she exuded relentless positivity, unwavering love, and a smile that held magical powers. To love her and be loved by her was a gift, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

        The family wants to especially thank Claudette, Eileen’s caregiver for the past three years, as well as Amy, her nurse from Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County.

        A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 160 Main St., Torrington. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Torrington. Friends may call Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gleeson- Ryan Funeral Home, 258 Prospect St., Torrington.

        At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Paul the Great Academy (https://www.stjohnpaulthegreatacademy.org/), Torrington Historical Society (https://torringtonhistoricalsociety.org/donate), or Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Litchfield County (vnhlc.org).

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