Eileen M. Hurley, beloved sister and aunt, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2014. Eileen was the daughter of John T. and Della J. Hurley. She was predeceased by her sister Ann M. Novakoski and her brother Monsignor Daniel J. Hurley. Eileen is survived by her sister Theresa Galvin and brother James Hurley and her nieces and nephew Joan Davenport, Mary Ann Graffagnino, Leo Novakoski, Eileen Gilson, Ann Galvin, Maureen Kiggins, Lisa Hurley, Cristy Hurley and Michele Vesty and grandnieces and grandnephews.
Eileen’s journey in life began in East Norwich. She attended St. Dominic’s grammar and high school and Fordham University where she received her law degree. Eileen practiced law in New York City for more than 20 years. In 1976, Eileen returned to school, attending Loyola University in New Orleans where she received her master’s degree in music therapy. In 1978, Eileen began her “new and most beloved career and calling” as the music therapist at Pee Dee Center, Florence, SC. There she helped improve and enrich the lives of her dear students through music until retiring in 1992. Over the years that Eileen lived in Florence, she was an active member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, including singing in the choir, Perpetual Adoration, and “cookie maker extraordinaire” for the Bereavement Group. Additionally, for many years she volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem and piano teacher to friends and acquaintances expressing a desire and interest in learning.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Florence, S.C. on Thursday, March 20 at 11 a.m. Visitation was held at Whiting Funeral Home, 300 Glen Cove Ave, Glen Head (www.whitting.com). Interment St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Upper Brookville. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Food Pantry or Bereavement Groups of St. Anthony Catholic Church, 2536 Hoffmeyer Rd., Florence, SC 29501.
