Kelly, Eileen M.

ALBANY- Eileen Mary Kelly of Albany, aged 77 years, died suddenly at home on December 15, 2013. Born in Binghamton, New York she was the daughter of the late Robert Emmett Kelly, Jr. and Mary (O’Neill) Kelly. She was predeceased by her beloved nephew Robert Cusack. Eileen received her A.B. degree from Randolph-Macon Women’s College (1958); M.A. SUNY Albany (1963); Ed.D SUNY Albany (1965) and J.D. from Western New England College (1992). Eileen was Phi Beta Kappa and received numerous academic awards.

Eileen had a rich and rewarding career. She was a Supervisor in Marketing and Research for Proctor and Gamble (1958-61); English Teacher, City of Binghamton Schools (1961-62); Counselor, Veteran’s Administration Counseling Center of Albany (1964-65) and Associate in Education Research for the New York State Education Department (1965-92). Eileen was a member of the New York State Bar Association and a practicing attorney from 1992-present. She was past-President of the New York State National Organization for Women and also served on Boards of Directors for many not-for-profit organizations.

Eileen was a life-long learner who enjoyed reading and computer games, but most of all she treasured spending time with her beloved daughter, grandchildren, family and friends. She found great joy and comfort in the company of her many family pets.

Eileen is survived by her life-partner of 36 years, Mary Ann Awad, her beloved daughter, Kathleen A. Burnham (Dale), of Louisville, Kentucky, granddaughters Meredith and Erin Burnham, sister, Patricia (Dr. William) Cusack, brothers, John, Roger (Ellen) and Charles Wales; nieces Dr. Caitlin, Gillian and Meghan Cusack, Susan Cusack, Kendra Eklund, Emily Awad and Faith Glassman-Awad; nephews William and Darwin (Cynthia) Cusack, Elias Awad, and many loved great nieces, nephews and cherished friends. Calling hours will be Friday, December 20, 2013 from 4-7 pm in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home Inc., 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany, Family and friends are invited to share in a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated on Saturday, December 21, 2013, at 9:00 am in Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell Street, Albany.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Emergency response team from the Albany Fire Department Engine 11 and to Officer Johnson from the Albany Police Department for their support and professionalism.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Eileen’s memory to the Mohawk and Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakwood Avenue, Menands, NY, 12204, or to a charity of one’s choice.