Eileen Riley Smyth October 06, 1926 – January 20, 2019 Share this obituary Send Sympathy Gifts Sign Guestbook| View Guest Book Entries| Send Sympathy Card Eileen Riley Smyth, loving mother and wife, passed gracefully at her home in Mystic, Ct. In her final days she was surrounded by her family. Although deeply saddened by her passing, we cherish the vision of her being reunited with her husband, Norbert, who passed away six months earlier.
Eileen was born on October 6, 1926 in Saylesville, RI. She was the daughter of Joseph and Belle (Kennedy) Riley and grew up in Pawtucket. Influenced by her fathers love of baseball, she became a lifelong Red Sox fan.
Her allegiance to the Sox was rivaled only by her love of the UCONN Lady Huskies. In her younger years, Eileen excelled in many athletic pursuits including golf, skiing and sailing. She enjoyed nature and had an eye for color that came through in her paintings and wildflower arrangements.
Eileen was involved in the community through her volunteer work at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital and St. Bernards High School. She was a long time parishioner of St. Mary’s Church where she served as a Eucharistic minister. Eileen’s varied interests in Groton Long Point included the Ladies Auxiliary, book club and bridge club where she enjoyed the company of many friends.
Eileen’s greatest joy was being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She created a loving home in Groton Long Point where the family gathered for celebrations large and small. Eileen is survived by her seven children and their spouses, Paul Smyth (Penny) of Lyme, Peter Smyth (Cherry) of Griswold, Ann Grimes (Thomas) of Little Compton, R.I., Stephen Smyth (Mary) of Mystic, Elizabeth Harrington (Joseph) of Berryville, Va.
, Noreen Travis (Mark) of Mystic and Shonah Drakos (Peter) of New Canaan. Eileen is also survived by 17 grandchildren and seven great-granddaughters. Her grandchildren are: Phillip Smyth, John Payne, Donna (Smyth) Schaffer, Lindsey Donelin, Nolan Smyth, Brady Smyth, Samuel Grimes, Ali (Smyth) Girard, Joey Harrington, Erica Harrington, Rachel (Harrington) Welch, Nicole Harrington, Chris Travis, Pat Travis, Will Drakos, Neal Drakos and Jeff Drakos.
She is also survived by her loving sister, Rosemary Fuller of Wrentham, MA. Eileen was predeceased by her husband of 68 years Norbert, her sister, Marylyn Riley and her cherished grandson, Matthew Smyth. Eileen’s easy smile and gentle nature will be forever missed and always remembered.
Calling hours will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, January 25th at the Mystic Funeral Home, Route 1 (51 Williams Ave) Mystic. A Christian mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 26th at St. Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church 69 Groton Long Point Rd. Groton.
There will be a private family burial at a later date. The family wishes to express our sincere thanks to the entire staff at Academy Point who provided loving care over the past several years and to the Vitas Healthcare providers whose compassionate care helped keep Mom comfortable in her final days. Eileen’s strength and courage living with a traumatic brain injury was an inspiration to us all.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Eileen’s name to the LoveYourBrain Foundation. This foundation helps improve the lives of those affected by traumatic brain injury.
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