Eileen M. Danaher, (71), passed away on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Rockford, IL. She was born on July 25, 1954, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of John and Rosemary (Cassidy) Danaher.

Eileen attended Boylan Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1973. She spent her career in food service.

She enjoyed such hobbies as cross- stitch, jigsaw puzzles, reading, and working on craft projects. Eileen loved children, she enjoyed spending time with her many nieces and nephews especially as they grew up. She also enjoyed spending time with her great nieces and nephews as well. She liked putting on puppet shows for them and watching their favorite movies together. Sometimes she would take them to the arcade to play games for some family fun. Eileen was very proud of her Irish Heritage. She liked to sing along to the old Irish tunes during many, fun, family gatherings. She was also an avid football fan. She was particularly a loyal Boylan Titian supporter. She attended occasional games long after her High School years.

She was passionate about her Catholic Faith, and she was a devoted member of the People of Praise Community for many years. They were her other family whom she loved and cherished. They loved and cherished her as well. She had many wonderful friends in the group, and sometimes she babysat their children, no doubt entertaining them with some of her silly antics. The lovely people from this group were very devoted to her over the years. They graciously offered her much love and support during her extended illness. In summary, faith, family, and friends were the cornerstone of her life.

Survived by her siblings, Maureen T. Nelson, Thomas J. (Patricia) Danaher, John M. (Gina) Danaher, Sheila A. (Bill) Mautino, James P. (Mary) Danaher, William F. (Theresa) Danaher, Mark B. Danaher, and Mary D. (Rob) Kunz; her brother-in-law, Bob Ernst. Her many nieces and nephews (28), Great nieces and nephews (45). She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Rosemary; and her sister, Sharon M. Ernst.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Monday, February 9th, 2026, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. A second Visitation will take place on the following day, Tuesday, February 10th from 9 AM until the time of Funeral Mass at 10 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL. Private family burial in Wenona, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Food for the Poor, 6401 Lyons Rd, Coconut Creek, FL, 33073 or to a local food pantry - the Northern Illinois Food Bank's Neighborhood Market or the Rock River Valley Pantry. To share memories and condolences online, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.

Eileen had a good life. She had a vibrant personality, and a fun sense of humor. She was loyal to those whom she loved. She was brave and strong amid her cancer battle. She is loved, and she will be missed. May she rest in peace in the loving arms of the Savior.

An Irish Blessing

May the road rise to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sunshine warm upon your face,

May The rain fall soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.