Eileen Sullivan Fell died on July 10, 2022, surrounded by her family after an unexpected illness.  Her family was her joy – she was a beloved wife, mother of nine, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.  Her faith was her compass and guided her daily life.  A loving and caring woman, she was a gifted listener who had the unique ability to make everyone feel important and loved.  Eileen was an avid tennis and croquet player and a life-long learner who enjoyed travel, reading and service to others.    

Eileen was born in Jersey City, NJ to Leo and Marion Sullivan.  She attended St. Aloysius Academy in Jersey City, NJ and St. Elizabeth’s College in Convent Station, NJ.  She was married on January 23, 1960, to Laurence T. Fell.  She and Larry raised their family in Essex Fells, NJ and lived in New Vernon, NJ, New York, NY, and Palm Beach, FL.  The family also spent countless summers at their treasured home in Spring Lake, NJ. 

In addition to a busy life raising her family, Eileen dedicated herself to many charitable causes.  Eileen was the Co-President of the St. Vincent’s Auxiliary and served on the Board of Directors of St. Elizabeth’s College.  In recent years she loved her annual trips with her grandsons to volunteer and build houses in Antigua, Guatemala with the organization From Houses to Homes.  Eileen also was a Dame of Malta and ministered to prison inmates in Florida.

Eileen’s number one passion was her family.  She cherished and supported each of her 21 grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as Gram.  Her annual party was the highlight of the summer, where the entire family relished dressing for the theme, dancing to Gram’s playlist and waiting for the ice cream truck.   She never missed a play, a concert or a sports event where her children or grandchildren were involved.   

Eileen was preceded in death by her daughter, Seton Fell Holt, her parents Leo S. and Marion Sullivan, and her sister Mary Jean and brother Leo S. Sullivan, Jr.

Eileen is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Laurence T. Fell and her children and their spouses: Laurence T. and Eileen Fell, Jr. of Wall, NJ; John and Diane Fell of Chatham, NJ; Mary Jean (Fell) and Jeffrey Casler of McLean, VA; Elizabeth Fell of New York, NY; Stephanie Fell of Washington, DC; David Holt of Fair Haven, NJ; Anne Marie (Fell) and Jon Coon of Fair Haven, NJ; Timothy Fell and Lene Dahl of Morristown, NJ; and Margot (Fell) and Joseph O’Connor of Rumson, NJ; her sisters Patricia Sullivan of New York, NY and Catherine Halligan of Bettendorf, IA; her in-laws Dorothy Fell of Fort Lee, NJ and Mary Anne and Kenneth McAlpine of Naples, FL as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends. 

She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Delaney, Thomas and Kerry Fell; Katie, Kevin, Timothy and Erin Fell; Brian, Michael and Matthew Casler; Damian Holt; Cecilia and Julia Coon; Christian, Max, Erik and Camilla Fell; and Peter, Eleanor, Mary Catherine and Claire O’Connor. 

A Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving will be held on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 9:30am at St. Mark’s Church, 215 Crescent Parkway, Sea Girt.  The family will receive visitors at their home in Spring Lake on Thursday, July 14 from 4 to 8pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to From Houses to Homes at P.O. Box 85, MT Tabor, NJ 07878 or online by CLICKING HERE.  For more information, please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.