Newbury - Eileen Patricia Fahey (nee Burns) of Plum Island, passed away Tuesday, January 20th, surrounded by family and friends, after many years of battling health issues.

Eileen grew up in Boston, part of a large "one of a kind" Irish family. The second youngest of nine, she is pre-deceased by her mother and best friend Mary (Ellis), father William, and siblings, Donna, Billy, Helen, Bobby, Michael and Jimmy. She is survived by her husband Bob, daughter Katie and husband Kevin Anderson, her cherished grandchildren Fiona and Declan, and loving dog Murphy. She is also survived by her sisters Kathy and Maureen, dozens of nieces and nephews and close friends who had become family.

After graduating from Suffolk and Boston University, obtaining her Masters in Education, she went on to become an amazing social worker and guidance counselor. She had an unmatched gift for connecting with and helping those who needed it most. She never met a stranger – and had an openness and interest in people that made everyone feel welcomed and heard in her presence.

Growing up a city girl, she fell in love with Plum Island in her late 20s. She met her husband, Bob and they enjoyed many years renting a small duplex on the island before buying the cottage next door. They spent the summers fishing and having parties with friends and family on their little slice of paradise. She loved raising Katie on the island, visiting Sandy Point for sand dollars, spotting snowy owls, watching Katie and the kids play in the Basin and on the beach, and quite literally always had an open door for her friends. She was a true character of Plum Island – it was her favorite place in the world and only fitting that the name of her antique cottage "The Rinkoo-Tei" is believed to mean "the place between the two waters," ... or "the place between heaven and earth" – we believe it to mean both.

She was incredibly close with her family – she was the "Auntie." The one who would spoil her nieces and nephews with Pepsi and junk food, sing songs with her guitar, allow them to run away to her "island," and was always there for them. She loved her husband Bob, and they had more fun and laughs than most would ever have in a lifetime.

Eileen loved being Irish, and it was the joy of her life to watch Katie's involvement in Irish Dancing. She loved traveling to competitions, being the loud and crazy "dance mom," supporter and friend to everyone. Watching her Granddaughter Fiona carry on the tradition was the icing on the cake for her.

Of all the roles she had in her life, her favorite was being a mom, and then Nannie to Fiona and Declan – a role that she was not sure she would make it to. She had the heart and soul of a child, and a silliness that would have them instantly erupting in laughter, dancing and singing around the house with her, and likely playing with a toy that we're unsure if she bought for the kids ... or herself.

Her infectious laugh, beautiful smile, witty sense of humor, and enormous heart is already sorely missed.

Eileen was a member of the Newburyport Elks and the North End Boat Club Community. Her family is incredibly thankful for the years of support from Dr. William Jackson, the Dana Farber Team, Beacon Hospice, and her sisters and nieces that cared for her over her final days.

Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 10 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in Newburyport. Per Eileen's request, there will be no wake.