Obituary of Eileen Marie Arnold

Eileen Marie (Trelease) Arnold passed away on April 28, 2020 after a valiant and heroic battle with cancer.  Small and mighty, Eileen’s smile and laughter brightened any room she entered.  Her positivity, compassion, and courage touched the lives of so many.  She glided through life sharing stories, caring for others, and spreading her love and laughter.  

Raised in Garwood, New Jersey, Eileen and her husband relocated to Clinton, New Jersey where she raised her family and immersed herself in the community.  She was a volunteer tour guide at the Clinton Historical Museum where she also ran the annual craft fair and then worked for many years as an administrative assistant.  Always a part of her heart, she went back to the museum in retirement to volunteer again as a school group tour guide.  Eileen worked for Clinton Township School District, starting at Josephine Mitchell School and continuing on to touch the lives of children and staff at all the district’s school buildings.  Eileen was a member of the junior women’s club, volunteered as a study buddy for elementary students, and with Meals on Wheels.  Eileen was a member of the ICC Altar Rosary Society.  An avid reader, Eileen so enjoyed her ICC book club too.  She was a treasured fixture in her neighborhood and a blessed friend to so many.

Eileen’s greatest gifts were bestowed upon her family.  The oldest of six children, she loved her siblings, nieces, and nephews and kept them all close:  A true matriarch to an incredible family. She was a devoted and loving wife to her husband, Bruce, of 53 years.  And as a mother she raised her son and daughter with a truly majestic love as she guided them to emulate her compassion, love, and humor throughout their lives.  As “Grammy” to her four precious grandchildren, she was an absolute rock star.  She attended all their activities from soccer games to proms and, without a doubt, was their biggest fan, their fiercest protector, and their loving mentor.

Survivors include her loving husband of 53 years, Bruce, her children Cindy Lapidus (Jack) of Scotch Plains, NJ and Tim Arnold (Sonia) of Lake Hiawatha, NJ.  Her four grandchildren:  Jillian, Jeffrey, James, and Finnegan.  As well as her siblings Kevin Trelease (Barbara), Connie Munley (George), Bill Trelease (Kathy) and Jay Trelease (Janet), (predeceased by MaryBeth Hay), as well as loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Eileen’s life deserved a celebration as big as her heart, however the current situation limits services to immediate family.  Please celebrate Eileen by spreading joy to others as she did for so many. May her laughter always be remembered and her compassion and courage be emulated by all who were lucky to have known her.

In lieu of flowers donations in Eileen's name may be made through IN MEMORY OF for The Red Mill Museum Village which was very meaningfull to her at http://www.inmemof.org/eileen-marie-arnold