Obituary of Eileen Mary Dellaventura

Eileen Dellaventura died at home on Saturday, October 12, 2013 after a brief illness. She was 79 years old. Born and raised in Plainfield, NJ, Eileen married her high school sweetheart, Dominick in 1953, and began raising their 4 children. In the late 60's she re-entered the workforce as a telephone operator for NJ Bell and subsequently enjoyed a management career with the company before retiring in 1986. Eileen was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and a friend to many. She enjoyed her family, friends, bowling and going to Atlantic City casinos. A champion of human rights, Eileen fought injustice wherever she saw it. She stayed true to herself in a world she was always two steps ahead of. Her honesty, generosity and loyalty will live on in the family she was so proud of. Eileen was predeceased by her parents Beulah and Cormick Caulfield, one child Diane, her sister Beulah Burke and her brother Cormick Caulfield. She is survived by her husband Dominick of 60 years, her daughters Donna Shenuski (Joe), Debbie Strani (Bob), Ann Blacker (Lance) and her son Thomas Dellaventura (Mary), sister Catherine Sicoli, her grandchildren Christine, Courtney, Robert, Michael, Christopher, Thomas, Hannah and great-grandchild Emily. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 17th, from 3-7 p.m. at Higgins Home for Funerals, 209 West 8th St., Plainfield. Prayers will be said at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, October 18th at the funeral home followed by a Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Bernard's Church in Plainfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Compassionate Care Hospice Foundation, 11 Independence Way, Newark, DE 19713 or St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the hospice organization of your choice.