Eileen Smith

Eileen Smith, age 69 of Wayne, dies on July 18, 2020.

It is with great sadness that I inform you that Eileen Smith of Wayne died at home with her sister Racquel by her side on July 18, 2020.  She was born in the Bronx to Eva and Henry Bentz and remained close with some of her best childhood friends. She attended Grace Lutheran parochial school, where she was a classmate of former Kiss guitarist, Paul “Ace” Frehley.  Eileen worked many years in New York City for ING Group, in Banking and Finance.  She earned an Associates in Applied Science degree from New York University, a Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Administration from Pace University.

In July 1972 she married Joseph Smith and moved to Woodside Queens.  Joe and Eileen honeymooned in Mexico, starting in Mexico City exploring the country on their way to Alcapulco. Joe’s jobs required him to travel frequently and Eileen traveled with him whenever possible living for a short period in Redondo Beach, California, Seattle, Washington and Galveston. After 31 years in Woodside they moved to Wayne to be close to her family in Wayne and closer to Joe’s family in Albany.  Eileen made many wonderful friends in Wayne and loved going out to some of the local eateries like the “OD” (Oakland Diner), Bensi and Little Food Café.

It was always a priority for Eileen to stay in close touch friends and to get together with family whenever possible, especially during the holidays.  If you were part of her church communities, pool group, oatmeal club, neighbor, friend or friend of a friend you would most certainly get a plate of homemade Christmas cookies every year. She was an accomplished cook and loved cooking for her family and friends.  Her holiday dinners which she prepared for her family in Wayne were always delicious, creatively presented with name tags and holiday nik-naks and included some unique dishes like worm soup (Passatelli Dei Nonni).  She also prepared and coordinated an immensely popular holiday party for Joe’s family and relatives in Albany.  A considerable undertaking which she loved to do for Joe and his family.

Eileen was very close to her nephews Eric and Scott and was with them throughout their lives.  Whether it was cheering Eric on in baseball or Scott’s band recital she enjoyed watching them grow up.  She conducted a beautiful wedding ceremony for Eric and Nicole just a couple of years ago which had us all in joyful tears.  She was always there to provide them support and instill in them the valuable life lessons which they will remember forever.

Eileen was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer nearly ten years ago.  She immediately researched and learned everything she could about her disease and treatment.  She soon learned there was only limited treatment and few doctors with experience treating the disease.  She actively advocated for more research, funding and greater awareness to help in the fight against this disease and was even awarded by then NJ Governor Chris Christie for her efforts.

Eileen remained active in the church throughout her life.  As an adult she entered the Lutheran diaconate and was set apart as a deacon by the Metro New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on June 17, 1998.  She served faithfully in the Metro Synod, often planning synod-wide educational and administrative events.  She was a gifted preacher and often substituted for vacationing pastors.

When She moved to New Jersey, Eileen joined St. Timothy Lutheran Church and quickly became a faithful worker and congregational leader.  She served on the Mutual Ministry Committee, chaired the Worship and Outreach Committees, and was a faithful sacristan and liturgical assistant.  Eileen founded St. Timothy’s very successful seniors’ program, Prime Timers, planning monthly luncheons and securing speakers for each gathering.  She preached and led worship several times a year when the senior pastor vacationed.  She served as a mentor for several generations of catechism students and coordinated the mentoring program.  Eileen introduced St. Timothy to “Stew Sunday,” which operates in conjunction with Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, providing nourishing meals for the clients of Eva’s Kitchen in Paterson several times a year.

Eileen was a prolific writer, contributing articles to synodical and parish newsletters, as well as several nationally circulated publications, including The Lutheran Magazine and the Lutheran Forum.  She was the editor of the Metro New York Synod’s monthly newsletter.  She was conversant in Lutheran theology and was an avid reader of theological tomes.

Eileen was a wonderful person, who did so much to make our lives and the world a better place.  It is impossible to mention everyone whose life she touched and how much each person in her life meant to her. Her loss will be felt by many.

She is survived by her sister Racquel White, brother in law Arthur White, her nephews and nieces: Eric (Nicole) White, Scott White, Michael (Mary Jean) Jackson, Thomas (Janice) Jackson, Daniel Jackson, Marybeth (Thomas) Huyck, and great nephews and nieces: Stephanie (Jason) Cosco, Renee Jackson, Marissa (Trey and Chase) Jasenski and Thomas Huyck. She was predeceased by her parents Eva and Henry Bentz, her husband Joseph Smith who passed away in 2020 and her great nephew Christopher Jackson.

Donations can be made to:

NET Research Foundation

31 St. James Avenue, Suite 365

Boston, MA 02116