Ugh!  I don't even know where to begin.  First, I am going to use the word IS instead of WAS.  My reason is that a life force as big as Eileen's is ALWAYS with us.  With that said, she is someone I always look up to.  She is one of my "big-girl" cousins.  Just enough older to be "cool" and we (the ones just behind her - yes, Susan and Stephen, I am including you here) always wanted to be part of that inner circle with her and Mary Kay.  Whether it was helping her and MK organize the circus performances (with strongman Steve) for Grandma and Grandpa or simply getting to sit at the big table with the older kids, we always wanted to be with Eileen.

As I got older, Eileen, as a teenager, and her then boyfriend (Richie), used to come pick up Terri and I in his station wagon complete with his younger sibings, and we went ice skating.  Such fun times - simple, but always fun.

And then we became adults (chronologically, but perhaps not mentally).  I remember helping Eileen watch Laura when she was just about 2 years old - the first time Mary and Joe managed to escape for some grown up time.  Laura did manage to survive our care, but from that point on, somehow Eileen and I became known as Aunt Nicotine and Aunt Caffeine (long story)!

We had many fun times along the way, and I am so very grateful that I got to see her at Jimmy's wedding.  Eileen, you are always with me - with us - and I am so blessed to have you in my life!

WIth love always!Kath

I just learned of the sad news today. Words cannot express my sadness over the unexpected loss of someone at such a young age. My condolences to Maria, Caroline, Kevin, Mary Kay and the extended Schopper family. My message to Eileen is: thank you for being a good neighbor, dog sitter and front door key keeper. I am happy to have known you. Rest in peace.

My heart is heavy at the news of Eileen's passing.  She was one of my dearest friends when I worked on labor and delivery.  She was not only one of the amazing caretakers that I had during my labor and delivery; she, Caroline, and Kevin took care of my son a couple of times when I was stuck and needed someone.  When I was pregnant, she used to tell me, "Make sure to touch your baby.  Don't always carry him around in that carseat. Take him out and touch him and snuggle him," and I will never forget that.  He's 11 and I still get to snuggle (on occasion).  Eileen was a teacher, and someone that I looked up to as a nurse.  She was the kind of mom that loved her children fiercely and unconditionally-- and she spent her time making sure that they had experiences and memories.  The world has lost an amazing woman.  <3

Eileen was such an amazing, strong, funny, irreverent and kind person.  Our family is lesser for her absence.  I will miss her wisdom, friendship and love, because so many times, in so many ways, she gave me strength and guidance and kept me going when I thought I couldn't.  Eileen will be in my heart for the rest of my days.

I am so sorry to hear this sad news.  I worked with Eileen for several years and she was such an amazing nurse and friend she will be missed. 

Kathy Tuley

Eileen was a HUGE fan of Queen. She heard that Queen [with Adam Lambert] would be performing at MSG and told me how much she wished we could go. But oh boy! Tickets were cost prohibitive. She kept going back to the website and found a lottery or contest of some kind, and I reminded her that she was lucky when it came to "gambling".

So she entered. And she won. And we went - floor seats!! AAAAH! It was one of our best times together - much laughter and fun and of course singing along at the tops of our voices. We also had a back-up plan in case "something happened" and got into a mock argument about sticking together. 

Eileen: just run...don't wait for me

MK: no way...I would never

Eileen: I'm too slow and I hobble

MK: you will have a burst of adrenaline and I will drag you

Eileen: hahaha OK we will perish together

MK: right

I really, really, really love my sister. Sister connections change over the years, and we were at the "crazy middle-aged ladies" stage of our friendship/sistership and it was a highlight of my life. So happy to have this event to look back on.

Janice, Brian, Danny and I are all so saddened by this news. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to Caroline and Kevin, to Aunt Maria and Mary Kay, and to everyone in the family. Rest well,  cousin -- Godspeed.

I cannot say how sorry I am for the loss of Eileen  

The world is less bright without her in it

An amazing women is gone from us all I am happy she touched my life