Obituary of Eileen G. Kaveney

After a courageous and hard-fought 18-year battle with cancer, Eileen Kaveney peacefully passed away in the early morning of June 28th, leaving the world a little darker and heaven a little brighter. Born on Aug. 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, NY, to Helen and Jerome Kaveney, Eileen was the middle child between older sister Maureen and younger brother Brian. Following many happy years on Campus Place, the family moved to Ozone Park, NY. Eileen met and married Claudio Dos Santos during this time, and soon after they celebrated the birth of their beloved daughter, Alexandra. Eileen was raised in a Catholic home, attended Stella Maris High School and St. Joseph’s College. Eileen began her teaching career straight out of college at St. Helen's Roman Catholic Elementary School in Howard Beach. She went on to work in the New York City Department of Education, first teaching at PS 225 in Rockaway. She received her first master’s degree from Queens College and then moved on to be a staff developer/teacher trainer in District 27, Queens. She got her second master’s in Administration from Touro College and became an Assistant Principal at PS 223 in Springfield Gardens, Queens. She retired as an assistant principal from PS 223 in 2014. A woman of strong faith and impeccable style, Eileen lit up every room she entered. She displayed warmth, wit, and had a sense of wonder for the world around her. She was happiest walking along the water in Montauk, NY, while taking in the breathtaking views on a sunny day. She fiercely cared for and mentored the hundreds of students and educators who crossed her path through the years, many of whom have reached out to her during her illness to describe the impact she had on their lives. Her dedication for teaching was only surpassed by the devotion to her daughter Alexandra, who was the love of her life; seeing them together, you couldn’t help but witness the power and depth of their connection. Eileen leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her daughter Alexandra, her beloved mom Helen, her siblings Maureen Kaveney Sparacino (Anthony) and Brian (Doris), her friends, many of whom spanned decades of her life, former students and colleagues, who will go on to change the world because of her influence. Eileen used her gifts well. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eileen’s memory to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at MSKCC.ORG, or by Clicking "In Lieu of Flowers Tab" to right