Eileen P. Wren

Eileen P. Wren, 82, of Pittsfield passed away peacefully, on February 27, 2016, the anniversary of her wedding, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Tullig, County Kerry, Ireland on February 19, 1934 the daughter of John and Mary Hilliard of Tullig. Eileen was born and raised in Ireland where she met her husband Thomas. Together they moved to England, where they started their family, and then came to America where they raised their 6 children. Eileen was very proud of her Irish heritage. She was a lifetime member of the Irish American Organization where she was honored as the Irish Person of the Year in 2001. Eileen also shared Authentic Irish Recipes on the organization’s Sunday radio program. She enjoyed many trips “back home” to Ireland to visit family and friends. Eileen was predeceased by her husband Thomas Wren, whom she married on February 27, 1954 in Bedford, England. She leaves 5 children; Brenda and her husband Brian Griffin of Lanesborough, Mary and her husband Carl Thomas of Dalton, Eileen Kane of Pittsfield, James and his companion Roxy of Pittsfield, Peggy and her husband John Giguere of Lanesborough and a sister-in-law Theresa Mendel of Adams. She will also be missed by numerous family and friends in Ireland, England, and the US. “Nana” also leaves 16 grandchildren; Alyssa, Alison, Michael, Sean, Kristian, Ashley, Mary, Kristina, Jennifer, Jonathan, Stephanie, Tonya, Thomas, Katie, Ashley, and Anna. She is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren, the first of which, Kailee Rose, was born on St. Patrick’s Day, which created a special bond between them. She was predeceased by a son Thomas Wren Jr; two sister’s Maureen Schultheis and Nora Hilliard; a brother Patrick Hilliard and a daughter in law Jean Steele-Wren. Eileen’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family and celebrating her Irish Heritage. Her home was easy to get to, but hard to leave. Eileen will be remembered for her vibrant personality, and the sparkle in her eyes. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Eileen P. Wren will be Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 9 a.m. from the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield MA with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Charles Church celebrated by the Rev. Christopher Malatesta, pastor of St. Agnes Church, Dalton. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Wednesday, March 2, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, in her memory.

Eileen P. Wren

February 19, 1934 - February 27, 2016