Eileen McKenna Whiting

Eileen McKenna Whiting, 73, of Clifton, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at home on September 12, 2024.

Beloved daughter of and predeceased by James and Edna McKenna; born and raised in Totowa.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Jon (“Jack”) Whiting; her three children and their spouses:  Lindsay and Tom Moore and their children Jack, Ellie, and Charlie; Courtney and Kevin Shannon and their children Quinn, Ryan, McKenna, and Bridget; and Jon and Alix Whiting and their children Everett, Ashden, and Hayes.

She is also survived by her loyal siblings:  James (“Jim”) and his wife Natalie McKenna, Patricia McKenna, Loisanne McKenna and her husband Gary Kosc; her brother-in-law Robert Whiting; and her cherished nieces and nephews:  Amanda, Danny, Jaime, Joseph, Jillian, Emma, Lauren, and Evan.  Also survived by many dear friends.

Eileen’s journey was largely a happy one.  As a daughter, wife, mother, sister, student, friend, grandmother, and teacher, - she set the bar high in every aspect of her life.  She graduated from De Paul High School (class of 1969) in Wayne and from William Paterson University with a degree in education.  Later in life, she earned a Master’s degree from New Jersey City University. 

As the oldest sibling in her family, she loved sharing stories of growing up with Jimmy, Patti, and Lois.   She loved them all dearly and greatly respected each one of them as adults.  The bond they shared was special, and she was so grateful for the experiences that they shared in life, particularly the opportunity to visit Ireland and Italy, and happy family gatherings.  Their spouses likewise had a special place in her heart, and remained some of her favorite people throughout her life.

It was while supporting her brother, Jim, during his wrestling years at Paul VI High School that Eileen met her beloved husband, Jack (the wrestling coach!).  Theirs was a relationship built on love, patience, and mutual respect.  Together they raised a family and created a lifetime of memories, including some of their favorite times spent with family at their home in Monterey Beach.

As a teacher, she gravitated toward her young friends with special needs, and they were likewise drawn to her.  She thoroughly enjoyed all children, and she loved her time spent teaching Special Education, basic skills, Sunday Liturgy of the Word at St. Paul’s Church, fourth grade, and first grade at School #1 in Clifton. She was fortunate to experience a fulfilling career, and her students were lucky to have her.

As a friend, she was blessed.  The friends she made throughout her lifetime were steadfast in their support and companionship, even during the most difficult of times.  From her De Paul high school “girls” to her Clifton and School #3 friends and neighbors - the love and compassion demonstrated over the past several years will not be forgotten (and must be a testament to the person and friend that she was as well). 

As a parent, she will be remembered for the unconditional love she bestowed on her 3 children, who knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they were her pride and joy.  From backyard birthday parties, to her mini-cupcakes, home-cooked meals, homemade Halloween costumes (and doll clothes!), Eileen reveled in her role as a mom, and her now grown children realize how lucky they were.

As a grandparent, she experienced some of the greatest joys of her life.  She was blessed to meet 10 grandchildren over the course of 15 years, and boy did that make her happy.  She never smiled more than when in the presence of her grandchildren.

As a human, Eileen was truly one of the best.  She was sweet and caring, fun and funny, compassionate and empathetic.  Above all she was kind, and the world is a better place for her having been in it.

Although Alzheimer’s Disease has proven to be a painful part of Eileen’s journey, she led a blessed and happy life and will be remembered and celebrated for the wonderful woman that she was. 

Visiting hours Sunday 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 1313 Van Houten Avenue, Clifton, New Jersey. Memorial Mass Monday 10:00 am at St. Paul R.C. Church, Corner of Union Avenue and Second Street, Clifton, NJ 07011. PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH. Please visit www.bizubquinlan.com to leave condolences to the family on the Tribute Wall section of the obituary.