Eileen Polini, woman of faith, volunteer
Eileen (McKeon) Polini passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and dear friends. Born in 1942, in Chester, Pa., to the late Michael and Nora (Foy) McKeon, Eileen was the third of four children: John, Kathleen and Patricia.
Eileen grew up in Eddystone, Pa., attended Notre Dame Catholic Girls’ High School, and later trained as a medical technologist at Chester Hospital School of Medical Technology. She began her career at Sacred Heart Hospital and went on to earn an associate’s degree in applied science with a concentration in bioscience technology. Eileen found great fulfillment in her work as a medical technologist and, before retiring, served as a field trainer, educating laboratory technicians on the latest advancements in diagnostic equipment.
Eileen met her husband, Robert ‘Bob,’ when she agreed to be a wingman for a friend's date. A conversation began that night and continued for the next 58 years. After marrying, Eileen and Bob relocated to Wilmington, where they raised their cherished children, Michael and Kerry, along with many treasured family dogs.
Eileen was an optimist, a bright light with a streak of practicality. Friends and family frequently sought her counsel and advice. She was inquisitive, an avid reader, had a zest for learning new things, and was always up to speed on the Royal Family news.
Eileen’s love of coastal Delaware was sparked by a friend’s suggestion to check out the Delaware Beaches. And when she did, she was hooked. She became an aficionado of surf-fishing, boating, crabbing, and “Sea-Dooing.” Bob and Eileen built their dream home at the beach, where they hosted family reunions and generously shared their love of coastal Delaware with their family and friends.
Eileen was a woman of quiet and enduring faith, which gave her hope, meaning, and spiritual direction. She was a parishioner at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Wilmington before joining Mary Mother of Peace in Millsboro. In retirement, Eileen found fulfillment in volunteering and helping the community. She was an extraordinary eucharistic minister and a volunteer for Mary’s Cupboard at Mary Mother of Peace Parish, as well as the Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach.
When Eileen wasn’t volunteering, she and Bob were often traveling—by land and by sea. Eileen was an avid RVer who found great joy exploring the western wilderness, especially Montana and Yellowstone, as well as the Florida Keys. She also loved cruising the high seas; her favorite destinations included Panama, the Caribbean, and Alaska.
Eileen is survived by her husband, Bob; her children, Michael and Kerry; her grandson, Aidan Polini; her daughter-in-law, Kelly McDevitt; her siblings, John (Kay) McKeon, Kathleen Skahill, and Patricia (Charles) Favorite; her brother-in-law, Denis (Diane) Polini; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and -nephews.
A visitation will take place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 30, at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Greenville. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be immediately following Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery.
The family would like to express gratitude to the staff and medical professionals at Beebe Healthcare and Eileen’s treatment team at Tunnell Cancer Center.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Tunnell Cancer Center via Beebe Medical Foundation.
