Eileen Frances Girtain

Mrs. Eileen Frances Girtain, daughter of the late Sylvia and Joseph Fagans, was born November 26th, 1942 in Bordentown, New Jersey. She grew up the daughter of a fisherman connected to the Jersey shore and the ocean. So much so, that her favorite candy was salt water taffy. She danced and played sports with the boys, always tough and self-reliant. She graduated from William McFarland High School in 1961, and from Trenton Junior College in 1964 with her Associates of Arts in Teaching. Eileen worked in the New Jersey State School System as a special education teacher, where she utilized art to teach communication and expression to her students. She helped lead Fieldsboro Baptist Chapel alongside her husband, where she facilitated Sunday School, and hosted the Women’s Auxiliary.

Eileen was married to Richard Thomas Girtain on the 11th of April, 1964 and cherished life together for 57 years. She travelled the country supporting her husband as he served our country, from losing their brakes on a mountain in Texas to trudging through the snow to work in Massachusetts. Their union was blessed with two children and three grandchildren. Once she had children and grandchildren, she lived for them. From horse shows to soccer tournaments, to following archery tournaments and school plays, she was infinitely supportive. She led her life with family at the forefront, always pushing her children and grandchildren to reach for the stars and to remember the value of hard work.

Her heart was focused on the Lord, and her spirit was as bright as the sun. She loved to share her fascination with gardening, painting, baking, and collecting memorabilia with those she cherished. She loved to sing, especially those old Irish lullabies. She loved animals of all kinds, with many of her hours spent with horses, dogs, ducks, and even a head-butting goat. She prioritized helping those less fortunate, frequently spending her free time learning about and giving to philanthropic efforts.

Her life was as beautiful as the smiles she shared with those around her, and her influence will forever remain in the lives of those who were lucky enough to know her. She departed this life Wednesday, October 27th, 2021 at her home in Hardin Valley. She is survived by her husband Richard Thomas Girtain; her daughter Cheryl Girtain and husband Dwight Shults; her son Richard Keith Girtain and wife Diana Girtain; her grandchildren Jordan, Jack, and Grace; and brother Joseph Fagans.

Eileen's family will receive friends on Monday, November 1, 2021 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm at Berry Highland West, 9913 Sherrill Blvd, Knoxville, TN. Eileen's funeral service will immediately follow at 7:00pm. The Graveside service and interment will be held at the Bordentown Cemetery Association, 210 Crosswicks Road, Bordentown, NJ 08505. In lieu of flowers donations should be made to the Arthritis Foundation in memory of Eileen. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BerryHighlandWest.com for the Girtain family.