Eileen Murphy

Eileen passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on November 19, 2020, at the age of 79 after a struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. Eileen was the daughter of Wilbur H. Morris and Alice Louise Mc Cormick. She was born in Newark, N.J. grew up in Brielle N.J. and she attended Manasquan High School. Eileen is the beloved mother of Colleen Dittamo and her husband Tom. She is the grandmother of Kristin Reo and husband Mike, Tommy and Tara Dittamo .Eileen is the great grandmother of Alyssa, Michael, Sophia, Nathan and twins on the way! She was also extremely blessed to have a few individuals who loved her as a mother. Eileen was the happiest when helping others and spending time with her family. Eileen earned her Master of Divinity from Drew Theological Seminary, in Madison N.J. Eileen was instrumental in starting Contact: Crisis Hotline of Toms River and a feeding program that quickly gained the support of the county. After 9/11, she was involved with school grief counseling. Eileen loved serving others and always did so with a smile. Her leadership, spirituality and compassion were rare to find. Eileen served as Pastor and Associate Pastor in many United Methodist Churches throughout Greater New Jersey. She enjoyed the ministry at each church, perhaps best known for organizing retreats and senior programs; she was a charismatic speaker and lover of children. Eileen could be found singing and dancing at youth and young adult events. Eileen was a gift from God and a blessing to many! She will be greatly missed. Thankfully, now living a pain free life and again is dancing for joy! She will live on in the hearts of the people who loved her. There will be a celebration of life on December 6, 2020. It will be held at St. Andrew United Methodist Church, in Toms River N.J. Memorial gathering will begin at 3:30 with a service beginning at 4:30. The service will be streamed/recorded as well. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be sent to St Andrew UMC 1528 Church Rd, Toms River NJ 08755 (please put note on ck memo memory of Eileen Murphy) .Funds will be allocated to music, children’s ministry and missions. Shalom, is a Hebrew word Eileen used often. It is used to say hello and goodbye also meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility. That is the wish she had for all.