Eileen Marie Hughes

Eileen Hughes

January 14, 1962 – January 16, 2025

Eileen Hughes (née Cunnane), a woman of extraordinary warmth, strength, and spirit, passed away on January 16, 2025, after a courageous eleven-month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family, who were her greatest joy and legacy.

Born in Doylestown, PA, Eileen was the cherished daughter of the late [Michael] David Cunnane and Anne (née Martin). She grew up in Ardsley and Jenkintown alongside her siblings [Michael] David, Brian, Donna, Steven, and Kevin. Eileen often recounted the lively adventures of her childhood in a close-knit Irish family, full of music, mischief, and love. Whether it was competing in Irish dance, playing the accordion, childhood mischief with her siblings and cousins, or embarking on family road trips in the station wagon, her memories were woven with laughter and a deep sense of belonging.

Her stories, always told over a cup of tea, were a testament to her deep love for her family. Whether recounting her children’s milestones, her grandchildren’s triumphs, or her adventures with Sean, her tales were infused with pride, humor, and endless affection.

Eileen's life changed forever when she met her soulmate, Sean Hughes, on the sidelines of a Gaelic football field in Northeast Philadelphia. Their love story, spanning over 43 years of marriage, was the stuff of legends—equal parts romance, partnership, and friendship. Together, they built a life rooted in devotion and filled with laughter, raising three remarkable children: Sean Michael (Shannon née Nodiff), Kellie Ann (Roman Escobar), and Kevin James.

Eileen was a trailblazer in her professional life, rising from a part-time teller in Philadelphia to become Vice President of Operations in the banking industry. Despite her demanding career, she never missed a game, recital, or parade, always cheering her children on with unrelenting enthusiasm.

In her later years, Eileen embraced her role as "Mom-Mom" to her seven "Little Angels": Aiden Michael (11), Jake Patrick (9), Maggie May (9), Ella Ofelia (7), Emerson Sean (6), Killian Michael (5), and Hunter Edward (5). She became their loudest cheerleader, their fiercest advocate, and their warmest hug.

A proud graduate of Bishop McDevitt High School (c/o 1979), Eileen returned to school in her later years, earning both her Bachelor’s and MBA from Holy Family University. True to her nature, she didn’t stop there—she spearheaded programs to make education more accessible for working adults, leaving a lasting legacy in her community.

Eileen's life was defined by her selflessness and boundless energy. She filled every room with her laugh, her quick wit, and her unwavering support. Her home was a haven of holiday traditions (with over 100 Santa Claus decorations at Christmas), spontaneous kitchen dances with her Little Angels, and tea-filled heart-to-hearts with whoever needed one.

She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joy—carried forward by her beloved Sean, her children, her grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched. Eileen built more than a family; she built a community. To know her was to know unconditional love, fierce loyalty, and the magic of a story well-told.

In the words of Sean, she was a "Wee Legend." To her family and all who knew her, she will forever be their Superwoman.

A viewing will be hosted at the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home, 507 West Ave. Jenkintown, PA on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. A second viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 21st from 9:00am to 9:45am at Our Lady Help of Christians Church 1500 Marian Rd. Abington, PA followed by her funeral mass at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to The Breathing Room Foundation at PO Box 287 Jenkintown, PA 19046 or breathingroomfoundation.org/donate/ so that they may continue her mission to help others breathe easy.

Rest in peace, Eileen. Dance in the kitchen of heaven, surrounded by love.