Eileen Gildea Bednar

Born in Syracuse, NY, on March 28, 1958, Eileen was the first-born daughter of Virginia Gildea, who survives, and Edward Gildea, who predeceased her on Christmas Day, 2001. Eileen graduated with honors from Bishop Ludden High School in Syracuse, and St. Bonaventure University in Olean, NY, in 1980. It is there where she met her future husband, Mitchell Bednar, who also survives.

Eileen married Mitch on September 10, 1983. After beginning their married life and early careers in Rochester, NY, the couple spent the early 1990s in Alpharetta, GA, before moving to Maryland in 1995, where they raised their three exceptional sons: Tim, 28 born in Rochester, NY; Matt, 25; and Jason, 21, both born in Atlanta, GA, all of whom survive.

A cherished and always-giving mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Eileen was beloved by all who knew her. A woman of deep faith and uncommon strength, she radiated warmth, kindness, and positivity – even throughout her lengthy illness. In addition to her successful professional career in multiple industries, Eileen was an active volunteer throughout her lifetime, freely giving her time, talent, and treasure to the many organizations and causes for which she cared deeply about – including her children’s schools, her parish, and her neighborhood clubs, among others. Moreover, she was a passionate crusader and fundraiser for cures to three life-threatening illnesses: Ovarian Cancer, Diabetes, and Cystic Fibrosis.

In addition to her husband, sons, and mother, Eileen is survived by her three sisters, Ann Gildea of Charlestown, MA; Katy (Tim) Burns of Syracuse, NY; and Tricia Gildea, also of Charlestown, MA; several nieces and nephews; and many relatives and friends. All are inspired by the extraordinary way she lived her life and faced her death with such grace, dignity, and faith.

Family and friends will be received from Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, MD 20175 on Thursday,

April 7 from 6PM to 8PM and Friday, April 8 from 2PM to 4PM and 6PM to 8PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church, 5976 Old Washington Road, Elkridge, MD.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to one of two incredible organizations dear to Eileen:

Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, 14 Pennsylvania Plaza, Suite 1710, New York, NY 10122 (OCRF.org) or

Gilchrist Hospice Care of Howard County, 5537 Twin Knolls Road, Suite 434

Columbia, MD 21045 (gilchristhospice.org/giving).