Eileen Deneen Atkinson

Eileen Deneen Atkinson

August 22, 1932 – August 30, 2025

Eileen Xavierina Deneen Atkinson (née O’Rourke), age 93, of West Chester, PA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 30, 2025.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Eileen was the beloved daughter of John J. and Marie E. O’Rourke (née Mooney). She was predeceased by five cherished siblings, whose memory she held close throughout her life. Eileen was blessed with two true loves. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Robert J. Deneen, and later by her husband of 7 years, G. Russell Atkinson, M.D. She was a devoted mother and is survived by her children: Maureen Stiebritz, Meghan Krause, John Deneen, and Daniel Deneen; sixteen grandchildren; and, to her great joy, two great-grandchildren.

Eileen graduated from Little Flower High School and Chestnut Hill College. She began her career as a chemist at Rohm and Haas, a role she truly enjoyed until she married and moved to Chicago, where she embraced her new vocation as a wonderful mother.

She treasured summers in Sea Isle City, where she met her husband Robert, hosted family vacations, and created joyful memories over nine decades. Eileen also loved to travel—whether on adventures with Bob through The Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, international trips with friends, or special overseas journeys with Russ.

Throughout her life, Eileen cultivated many dear friendships, often formed around the bridge table or through her involvement in civic and philanthropic organizations. She was an active member of the Catholic Philopatrian Literary Institute, the Board of St. Francis, the American Catholic Historical Society, and The Great Valley Women’s Club.

Relatives and friends are invited to her visitation on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 9:00 am - 9:45 am at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 50 W. Walker Road, Wayne, PA 19087, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:00 am

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sisters of St. Joseph, 9701 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118-2694

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. West Chester 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com