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
Wake
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday March 25, 2022
Eileen's Home
132 N Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Rosary
11:30 a.m. to Noon
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
Noon to 1:00 pm
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
1:00pm
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Reception
Saturday March 26, 2022
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Wake
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday March 25, 2022
Eileen's Home
132 N Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Rosary
11:30 a.m. to Noon
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Mass
Noon to 1:00 pm
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
1:00pm
Saturday March 26, 2022
Holy Cross Catholic Church
101 S Walnut St
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Reception
Saturday March 26, 2022
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Rhonda helmick says
My deepest sympathy to each of you. Your mom was so kind to me during the time I was in Townsend caring for dad. Such a beautiful, caring lady. I have thought of her often over the past few years.
Lisa Briese says
Eileen was a very dear friend of my mother, Ellie’s. I remember being home and getting a chance to visit with Eileen. Such a very lovely, positive woman. I spoke to her in 2017 (my youngest’s BCHS graduation) and she was quite proud of still passing her driving test. I shared in that positivity. What an accomplishment on today’s roads, even if we are rural! I had the chance to chat with Eileen again at the 2021 Townsend October fest car show. She was upbeat and friendly as always.
My sister, Chris, also sends her deepest sympathy for your loss. We know it is difficult to be separated from those we love in this life; it’s sometimes hard to recognize this is all but a moment. I have no doubt whatsoever we’ll be together again one day. Our family is thinking of you. Live in the Love of God Almighty.