Eileen Greene

Eileen Greene, a Durango resident for 32 years, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, November 13^th, 2023 in Enumclaw, WA.

For 62 years she was the loving wife of Eric Greene who preceded her in March 2020 and has been waiting ever since with his arms folded, impatiently tapping his right foot, and staring at his watch muttering, “What’s keeping your mother for chrissake?”

Eileen is survived by her two sons, Jeff and Martin, two lovely daughters-in-law, Cheryl and Chris, and three amazing grandchildren (and one decidedly average grandson); Allison, Dillon, Ryan, and Eric.

Born in 1934 and raised in New York City, Eileen always retained a bit of her Bronx attitude and stubborn Irish resolve and was never shy about expressing her opinions. She would bluntly tell you the unvarnished truth and did not suffer fools ever. She never sugar-coated her views on life, family, or current events, and in her younger days could use four-letter words like a comma.

That being said, she will be deeply missed by friends, family members, and her favorite bartenders at The Ski Inn who always had Mom’s beloved Jameson’s poured and waiting for her every Saturday night. All who ever met Eileen, even briefly, quickly came to love her feisty candor, infectious laugh, and witty sense of humor.

Growing up, Mom was always there for us …whether we wanted it or not. She was strict, principled, and uncompromising …most of the time. She was also a willing accomplice for various misadventures and practical jokes, along with some occasional day drinking when we were home from college.  Mom played the long game knowing that by instilling solid moral values into two young rambunctious boys, they would eventually evolve into honorable men of which she could be proud. 

It almost worked.

Our mother was a kind, caring and giving person who usually put the needs of her family and friends before her own. She was a strong-willed woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage, humor, and some mild profanity. Our mother was a source of inspiration to us all and will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

A simple graveside service will be held at 10:00am December 7^th, 2023 at Durango’s Greenmount Cemetery. Eileen was adamant about not wasting money on flowers, photos and other such nonsense. Instead, she insisted that everyone have “a good stiff drink or three” and share some laughs in her memory.

Donations in her name may be made to your local bartender.