1932 - 2026
Eileen passed with her loving daughter and son-in-law by her side and surrounded by the compassionate care teams of Whitney Place, Salmon VNA and Hospice.
Born on July 15th, 1932, on the family farm, “Lisduff,” in Craughwell, County Galway, Eileen moved to Dublin during her teenage years. She later emigrated to the United States with her daughter, first settling in New Jersey before moving to Florida with her husband, Lou Csakai.
Professionally, Eileen worked as a bank teller and later as an investment counselor. In retirement, she embraced life fully, enjoying tennis, walking, gardening, dinner parties with friends, visits from family, holidays and traveling with Lou. They shared their life together until his passing in 2006.
In later years, Eileen moved from Florida, where she had lived for four decades, to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law in Massachusetts. In 2021, she returned to Ireland for an extended stay with her beloved nephew Sean Farrell and his wife, Mary, in Athenry. Surrounded by family and young children, it became a particularly treasured chapter of her later years.
Following one final summer holiday in Ireland in 2022, Eileen moved to Whitney Place in Westborough, where she received compassionate care. Her daughter remained closely involved and visited her daily, while her son-in-law brought her happiness through Irish songs, television and plenty of smiles.
Eileen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Mike St. Peter; her loving sister, Christine Cunniffe Kerr; and numerous nieces, nephews and members of the extended Cunniffe and Quinlan families throughout Ireland, England, Spain, Australia and the United States.
She also leaves step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews, whose visits and photographs brought her tremendous happiness. Eileen will also be missed by dear friends in Florida, Michigan and New Jersey.
Eileen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lou Csakai; her parents, Kate and John Cunniffe; her brothers, Thomas, Paddy and Josie Cunniffe; her sisters, Maureen Farrell and Breege Somers; her loving partner, Andrew Higgins; and her devoted “sisters-in-law,” Maureen Quinlan and Eileen Wyndham.
Throughout her 94 years, Eileen approached life with grace, courage, confidence and independence. Even during life's most challenging moments, she remained a pillar of strength and fortitude, while never losing the kindness and love that endeared her to so many.
A funeral Mass and interment will be planned in County Galway, Ireland.
