Eileen Perry began her life story on February 21, 1925. She was the daughter of Will and Mary Kate Seery D’Arcy. She joined siblings William (Jack) D’Arcy, Edward (Carmen) D’Arcy and Alice Mary D’Arcy.
Growing up in Townsend Montana, Eileen’s love of playing outdoors and adventure grew throughout her years as did her lifelong friendships.
Eileen married her high school sweetheart George Finnegan, and from this union, Mike, Tom, and Tricia were born. Their marriage ended in the early 1950’s and Eileen returned to her family home in Townsend to live with her mother, Mary Kate where she worked and raised her children.
In 1957, Eileen married Glen Perry and the family unit flourished and grew with the birth of Darcy Perry. Eileen lost Glen, the love of her life, to a heart attack in 1977. The E. G. Perry & Sons Construction Company that Glen had started became Eileen’s responsibility. She continued to run the business for many years following his death. With the resolve that she would someday be with Glen again, Eileen dedicated herself to making the most of the years she had ahead of her.
That commitment took Eileen, her sister Alice, her mother Mary Kate and other family members as well as friends on motorhome trips to California, Canada, Oregon, Alaska, Arizona, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Washington, Nebraska as well as east coast locations. Adventures took Eileen to Asian and European countries and lastly, a trip to Chile at the age of 88. Eileen made numerous trips to Moate, County Westmeath in Ireland, her mother’s homeland. She loved hearing the stories and the history of the Keegan family from close neighbor friends who had purchased Mary Kate’s birth home. Eileen was immensely proud of her Irish heritage and figured everyone had a little bit of Irish in them.
Paul Copenhaver, a 1941 BCHS graduate, reached out to Eileen in 1997. Their friendship lasted 20 years and gave them both a greater opportunity to enjoy travel and a very active social life during the winter months in Yuma, Arizona and the remainder of the year in Townsend, Montana.
Eileen loved a friendly conversation. Her ability to sit down and talk with new and old friends remained vibrant. She was curious about people and had an interest in their lives. She had a habit of thinking the best of people.
For all her life Eileen loved sports, especially softball and later in life, racquetball. She applied those principles of the game to her life and no matter what the occasion, Eileen always “stepped up to the plate.”
The speed that Eileen traveled through life was fifth gear. She maintained this pace throughout her senior years. Despite being in a perpetual hurry, she was usually just a wee bit late, especially for church.
Fourteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, along with her four children; Mike (Jan) Perry of Missoula, Tom Perry of Townsend, Trish (Dan) Vielleux of Cascade and Darcy Perry of Greely, Colorado (Kim) of Helena, Montana survive Eileen. As does brother-in-law, Tom Perry (Sandy) of Helena, MT and several nieces and nephews.
The most wonderful gift of Eileen’s life was that no children or grandchildren left this earth before she did. Eileen was proud to have travelled to each of her grandchildren’s graduation.
For all of you who knew Eileen, the family thanks you for your part, small or great, in enriching her life – the life she and her family treasured so much.
Eileen leaves behind a life well lived. She was a great Mom and like all the great Moms before her, she set the bar impossibly high. She was the best Mom ever.
The family suggests that donations made in Eileen’s name be made to The Broadwater County Museum, STOKE, Canton Church Restoration or the charity of their choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday March 25, 2022
Eileen's Home
132 N Walnut St
Townsend, MT
Rosary
11:30 AM to Noon
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
Noon
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Parish
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Visitation
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Friday March 25, 2022
Eileen's Home
132 N Walnut St
Townsend, MT
Rosary
11:30 AM to Noon
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
Noon
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
Following the Service
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Parish
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Sherry and Ward Scoffield says
We want to express our heartfelt condolences to Eileen’s family. She was a wonderful, gracious, happy woman. I enjoyed visiting with her in her lovely home – or anytime I saw her. We are not at home to attend her service so we keep you in our thoughts.
Lisa and Joe Jepson says
I always enjoyed visiting with Eileen – what a truly delightful, caring woman! We are not in MT, but will be with you in spirit. Our sincere condolences to all her family – so many memories to cherish!
Mary and Al says
What a beautifully perfect tribute to a lady like none other. I feel so blessed to have known Eileen Perry all of my life. She left a beautiful legacy. Our Love to all her family
Brenda says
It has been a few years since I last saw Eileen, but I have good memories of her. What a gracious woman, and so courageous and strong. He best gift to this world is the fine family she leaves behind. My sincere condolences to her children, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
John & Kathy McNulty says
Our condolences to the family. Have fond memories visiting with Eileen after we moved back to Townsend as well as growing up with Mike, Tom and Trish. Our love to all her family.
Carol (Seery) Van Natta says
Carol Seery VanNatt
Eileen was fun to be around at family gatherings. I remember her fondly and relish the times my Dad, Tim Seery and his siblings and the cousins got together. They were fun, silly and competitive. Lots of joking, talking and playing games. Eileen was full of energy and I love that she traveled the world even into her late 80’s. What a great role model. She will be missed but not forgotten.
Linda Seery Payne says
I still think about the train ride to Townsend as a teenager to hang out with Trisha for a week. She was fun and brave taking on another teen. I only remember Eileen as very upbeat. She was a very special person. Jim and I are going to the family home in Ireland this fall. I will think of her there.
Skip Sherwood says
She was such a great mother and played racket ball with my Dad for many years.
Many good memories from growing up in Townsend and she was a great roll model.
Of course we all lived within a few blocks of each other.
Last time I saw her was at my Dad’s service and she talked at his service with so many nice things to say. 😊
Wish I could be there for her service.
Nothing but good thoughts about her.
Terry and Janet Stocks says
Eileen, was a great lady, she will be missed by family and friends. She was a joy to visit with, Interesting and a wonderful
listener. Our thoughts and prayers to her family🙏🏻
Brian Ragen says
Dear Mike, Tom, Trish, and Darcy,
I was sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. I knew that she was getting up there, age-wise, even if there are more and more people making it to triple figures and beyond. (Maybe not to four figures, but 100 plus, anyway.)
Your mom was always so pleasant to me that she might have thought that I was one of Paulie’s other boys. You know, one of those who actually behaved themselves.
A few days ago, one of my dear uncles died. His last couple of years were rough. I hope your mother’s “final stretch” was nothing resembling that.
And please know that I have forgiven you for leading me astray during my younger years. As you will recall, I had been on the path to sainthood, or at least the Vatican, when you convinced me that I should smoke a cigar. (How could I have known then that those were illegal for children under 11?) On the other hand, that cigar did nicely complement one of Eileen and Glen’s refreshing Olympia beers. (Maybe it was a brand other than Olympia; after all, that was over a quarter century ago.)
I am sure you will treasure the memories that your mom helped not just to create, but to make possible period.
My condolences to you.
Brian Ragen