Obituaries » Eileen Kelly Garbarini
Eileen Kelly Garbarini
Eileen Clair Kelly Garbarini of Bedford, Virginia passed away at her home, on Friday, September 2, 2022, surrounded by her family. Eileen was born February 28, 1928, in New York City. She was the daughter of late Bill and Margie Kelly. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Philip J. Garbarini, Jr.
Eileen graduated from St. Peter’s High School in New York City and Seton Hill College in Greensburg PA. She moved to Bedford with her husband and family in 1968.
Eileen was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing, knitting, and doing crossword puzzles. Her favorite pastime was spending time at the beach. Eileen volunteered for many years in the Bedford community. She served as president of the AAUW where she oversaw their annual art show for many years. She volunteered her time with the Shepherd’s Table, another favorite organization. One of her favorite activities was spending time volunteering with the Pink Ladies Auxiliary at the Bedford Memorial Hospital where she was instrumental in starting the current day gift shop. Eileen was a member of Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church. Asked for many years about her career, her answer was always her children were her career. Eileen said she had the most blessed life in the wonderful town of Bedford. She is survived by her children: Clair (Gil), Nancy (Andy), Phil (Ginny), and Mark (Karen). Grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan), Katie (finance, Patrick), Anthony, Laura, Ben, Chris, and Ashley. The family thanks Eileen’s caregivers for the last six years: Bea, Rosa, Teresa, Pat, Lyn, and Mary for their dedicated and loving care.
The Rite of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 9, 2022, at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church with visitation occurring at 9:30 – 10:45 am, prior to the service. Burial will immediately follow the funeral Mass in Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church, Bedford Christian Ministries, or Friends of the Library.
To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, is assisting the family.
Burial Date September 9, 2022
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Eileen was a beautiful person, inside and out. She lived John Ruskin's advice:"It is a good and safe rule to sojourn in every place as if you meant to spend your life there, never omitting an opportunity of doing a kindness, or speaking a true word, or making a friend." What an example to us all.
Posted by Twila Sue Ross on September 16, 2022
I add my condolences to the Garbarini Family o the passing of Eileen. It is truly a passing through the doorway from earthly life to eternal life. I regret I will be unable to attend but my prayers will be with you.
Posted by Brian Bowne on September 8, 2022
Blessings to the Garbarini family as you recall the many beautiful memories of your mother and grandmother. May they bring you peace. What a lovely lady.
Posted by Marjorie Loomis on September 7, 2022
I got to spend special time with Eileen this past year as I was a back up for Carol Morales as a Eucharistic Minister. It was a blessing to spend time with her and listen to her life stories. She was truly a great lady.
Posted by Patty Mason-Goggin on September 7, 2022
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