Eileen was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and raised in Summit, N.J. She graduated from Averett College in Virginia in 1954. She became a fashion and hand model in New York City and was selected as one of the "Outstanding Young Women of America" in 1967.In 1959, during her first trip to Hawaii, she stayed at the Halekulani Hotel and fell in love with the beautiful people and culture. In 1961, on her second trip to Hawaii she found a job and stayed until 1964. She went back to live in New York City for 10 years because her father was ill, then subsequently moved back to New Jersey to take care of her mother. After additional trips to Hawaii, she decided to permanently move to the islands in 1987.
She became the manager at her favorite store, Carol & Mary, in the Halekulani Hotel. She always loved meeting and interacting with clients and guests and kept long-term friendships. In addition, she maintained close ties with her close friends from high school and college as well as with her friends from her time in New York City.
After retiring, she wanted to stay connected to her community and started volunteering at Hanauma Bay, Holy Trinity Church and opened the Holy Trinity Thrift Shop.
She was a beautiful, engaging, and empathetic individual with compassion and generosity who will always be remembered for her stunning sense of style and elegance. She grew up as an avid baseball fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and a proud lifetime member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.
Eileen is survived by long-time family and friends, and her devoted Hanai daughter and best friend of 41 years, Kay Kaoru Kasai.
Services will be held in Hawaii Kai at Holy Trinity Church located at 5919 Kalanianaole Highway on October 25, 2022. Visitation: 10:30 am; Mass: 11:00 am.
Arrangements Provided By: Diamond Head Mortuary
