WI, on July 19, 1929. As a child, she moved with her parents and sister,
Frances, to National City, CA in 1938. She often shared fond memories of
her parents, who worked long hours in a restaurant in downtown San
Diego, and her chow dog, Irish. Eileen attended Cathedral High School,
where she made lifelong friends. She became a grade school teacher. When
looking back on the experience, she delighted in the young innocence of
the kindergarteners. She retired from school teaching in 1964 when she
married a San Diego firefighter, Alfred Sawaya, and had two sons, James
and Michael. She was a devoted, loving wife and mother, giving
selflessly to her family every day. She spent nearly 45 years with
Alfred, until he died. The rest of her life was spent taking care of her
kids. Everyone who met her felt her love. She also had a compassion for
animals, and loved to watch animal adventure shows on TV. She was a
devoted Catholic and had a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary as a
source of comfort and strength. Eileen passed away peacefully at home
March 27, 2018. She is survived by her sons James and Michael, and
granddaughter Kona. A viewing will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church,
4540 El Cerrito Dr., San Diego, on Wednesday, April 4th, from 4-8 p.m.,
during which a Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. A funeral mass will be held
Thursday, April 5th, at 10 a.m., at Blessed Sacrament Church, after
which all may join a procession to Holy Cross Cemetery. A reception will
follow.
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