Shrewsbury – Eileen Mary Theresa (McNamara) Korpi, 84, of Shrewsbury, our beloved mother, Grammie, amazing “Gracie”, aunt and friend died in the loving care of her family on Saturday April 13, 2024.
Eileen was born in Worcester to Charles F. and Theresa Nora (Fitzgibbons) McNamara. Following her mother’s untimely death, she was then raised by her grandmother, Mary (Goodwin) McNamara.
She was predeceased by her husband of 47 years, Kenneth Korpi, and is now reunited with her Kenny.
She will forever be adored by her daughters Charlene King of Clinton and Sharon Hirtle of Shrewsbury, her granddaughters Katelyn Hirtle of Shrewsbury, Ellen (Hirtle) Harper and beloved grandson-in-law, Jared (Dalpe) Harper of Holden; and Sarah King and her fiancé Billy Nigzus of Clinton; her brothers, Edward of Aurora, OR and William of San Diego, CA; and extended family, including those who always held a special place in her heart and prayers-Sean, Hugh, and Suzanne.
She graduated from Auburn High School where she met classmates and forever friends Carol Scanlon and Jane Mack. She worked at the telephone company as an operator only until she was married but she proceeded to talk about it for the rest of her life.
Eileen was a wonderful mother and homemaker and valued her family above all else usually prioritizing their needs above her own. Her specialty was the “give it to me before your mother sees it!”-stain removal service. Eileen helped raise her granddaughters, just as her grandmother did.
She was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Shrewsbury for 60 years and her Catholic faith was central to her life. She practiced her faith by caring for others, opening her home to many throughout her life and was always willing to add anyone to her nightly prayers.
She enjoyed spending time by the ocean, especially in Ireland, where she traveled many times and said she would always go back again. She loooved ice cream, 2 up from Coney Island, Moe’s and most recently cookies. Faith, love, a good laugh and being Irish created a lifelong legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the staff at Overlook Home Care and Hospice especially Nicole, “her partner in crime” April, and musical massage therapist Kris as well as the kind nurses for their wonderful care and compassion.
As a way to remember Eileen, please consider performing an act of kindness in her honor. In lieu of flowers, she requested memorial donations be made in her name to Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Eileen’s family on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the BRITTON-SHREWSBURY FUNERAL HOME, 648 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Saint Mary’s Church, 640 Main St. Shrewsbury, with burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
