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Eileen Rich - Class of 1979

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 1965 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 07/Mar/2026
97.124.235.251

    Eileen Rich, a beacon of unwavering love and kindness, left this world peacefully on March 5th, 2026 in Newburgh, NY, surrounded by her family and loved ones.

Born October 19th 1961 in Manhattan, Eileen was a proud Mensa graduate of Newburgh Free Academy's Class of 1979. After high school, Eileen attended Suny Orange Classes in Liberal Arts, but as an adult wished to expand her education, returning to Suny Orange taking classes on Criminal Justice. Beyond academics, Eileen's passion for caring for others led her down a path of service. First as a toll booth collector at the Newburgh Beacon Bridge, then touching lives at Middletown Psychiatric Center, and Horton Hospital. Her caregiving spirit continued when she established an in-home daycare, embracing children of all backgrounds and becoming the light in many families' lives.

Eileen was an avid storyteller, weaving tales that captured the imaginations of young and old alike. She dreamed of one day sharing her children's stories with the world, a dream that reflected her deep understanding of the power of words and the magic they hold. Her love for puzzles, crosswords, and sudokus was more than a hobby; it was a reflection of her love for life's complexities and her joy in unraveling them. Eileen, affectionately known throughout Mechanicstown and beyond by her plethora of nicknames – "Mom," "Ma-Dukes," "Momma Eileen," "Reenie" and "Mommaboochiecken" – was the unofficial mother to many. Her home and heart were open to all, offering warmth and wisdom in equal measure. She wore each nickname as a badge of honor, earning her most cherished nickname "Nana" by her beloved grandchildren TJ, Gorgeous and Squirt!

Predeceased by her paternal and maternal grandparents, father, Francis L. Rich, Sr. and mother, Doris H. nee: Quirk, and her beloved Fiance, Tim Evans. She is survived by her siblings: Margaret Rich Carlson, Carol Anne Rich, Francis L. Rich, Jr. and Michael A. Rich. Eileen and Louis Ludlow had a beautiful family. Their cherished children; Gilchrist Francis Ludlow of Montgomery, NY., Grant Steven Ludlow of Wallkill, NY., and Shayna Lorraine Brickhouse & Clifton Andrew of Middletown, NY. Eileen adored her grandchildren; Terrance, Giavanna, and Cameron. Eileen's spirit lives on through her treasured niece, Crystle Anne Watts, Esq., and nephews; Michael Christopher Carlson and Gabriel George Carlson of Montana, and the many in-laws, nieces and nephews who were blessed to know her.

Eileen's essence can only be captured by words such as loving, kind, and generous. Her legacy is not just etched in her name but woven into the fabric of every life she touched including her dearest friends, Lora Muller and Swen.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at Applebee-McPhillips Funeral Home, Inc, 130 Highland Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, March 13 at 10 am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 90 Euclid Avenue, Middletown, NY 10940. Burial will follow in the family plot in Modena. - October 19, 1961 - March 5, 2026

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