Obituaries
Eileen Nephin-Bish, 73
November 23, 2020
Eileen Nephin-Bish, 73, of West Lampeter, died at home Monday, Nov. 23, after a prolonged ordeal with dementia. Her devoted husband, James Bish, was with her.
Born in Philadelphia on April 29, 1947, Eileen was the daughter of the late John and Elizabeth (Claus) Reilly.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her son, Daniel, daughters Shannon and Meghan, wife of Dennis Wilkens, and granddaughters Ivy and Lily. She was predeceased by two brothers, Chris and James.
Eileen graduated from Bishop McDevitt High School in Philadelphia and was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
Eileen worked for causes she believed in, including Planned Parenthood and Head Start. She also worked at Watt & Shand, Goodwill and ran an incest support group.
Eileen had a generous spirit — to a fault, at times — and was a mother and mother-figure to numerous others. She lived by an open-house, open-arms policy — again, at times, to a fault.
Eileen was a devoted mother to her special-needs daughter Shannon.
Although Eileen was not formally educated past high school, she was intelligent and curious. She appreciated art — she was a largely self-taught watercolorist and taught at The Old Fogey Art Co-Op, which she created. she also enjoyed music, reading an wrote poetry. She appreciated nature, capturing it in her art. For a number of years, she and her husband were active Civil War reenactors, not to glorify war, but instead choosing characters that aided and comforted Union soldiers. Eileen was also a wonderful cook, sharing food as love.
Family was very important to Eileen. She kept traditions and memories alive through a variety of cherished items, family history and a colorful collection of friends. Lily especially remembers fancy tea parties as a little girl. Throughout the years, it was family: Everyone gets fed, everyone receives a gift, everyone is special.
Her impact is perhaps best summed up by her granddaughter Ivy: “One of the things that stands out to me is that grandma encouraged my imagination. I believed in fairies and elves and all sorts of magical things as a child because of her. I think that is partly why as an adult I can believe in a world that is better and that goodness can and does exist even when, and maybe even especially, you can’t see it.”
The family would like to thank Eileen’s caregivers from Caring Hospice Services and Comfort Keepers.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood, The Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon, Caring Hospice Services or Rape Abuse & Incest National Network.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
October 02, 2022
Jim,
I recently Googled Eileen and read of he passing. So sorry for your loss. I have nothing but fun memories of visiting you and Eileen when I was in the Lancaster area. Again, my heart felt sympathy.
Steve Seufert
December 03, 2020
Dear Jim and Family:
My condolences. Eileen was a wonderful women.
I spent quite a bit of time Civil War re-enacting with Jim and Eileen and enjoyed every moment shared with both of you.
Eileen was all things as described in her life story and more. She is a beautiful loving spirit who will be with you forward.
I know she adored Ivy. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you both but I have also treasured the time we shared in the field.
I hope you find comfort in the fact she is at peace! She is always with each of you in spirit.
Tracy Leed
December 02, 2020
Dear Jim and Family,
Eileen was one of the warmest, most genuine and truly loving individuals that I have had the pleasure of knowing. Plus, she was extremely intelligent, knowledgeable and competent in whatever cause or project she tackled. I had the great pleasure of serving with her as co-chair of the Civil War Walking Tours that occurred in downtown Lancaster in 1997-1998. I met most of her family when she welcomed me into her home, and she treated me as a friend, not just a co-chair. My great sympathy for your loss. She warmed the hearts of all who knew her.
Paula Jackson
November 30, 2020
Dear Jim and family
Thank you for sharing the gift that was your Eileen with so many. She touched lives everywhere she went.
Susan D. Costley
November 30, 2020
Dear Dan,
I am so sorry for your loss; your mom was way too young. What a beautiful remembrance from Ivy. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elizabeth Palmer Bennett
November 30, 2020
Dear Jim,
I will always think of Eileen with fondness and respect. She was always ready to help with a fundraiser to help the community. Truly, a good person – soon to get off the wheel.
Molly Henderson
November 30, 2020
Eileen was my friend. i was a member of her OLD FOGIES ART GROUP, a lively group. I have many memorys of her. We enjoyed sharing with her our joys and sadness. She cared. We often spoke of all that was going on in the world. She will be missed, she was a gift to keep in our hearts. My thoughts are with Jim and her family.
Kathleen R Stumpf
November 29, 2020
My deepest condolences to your family. Eileen and Jim always made my son and myself feel like family. I loved hearing Eileen talk about things she was passionate about. She had a huge heart and will be missed deeply.
Maya and Kyric Miller
November 29, 2020
Jim, Shannon and family, my deepest condolences on your loss of Eileen. Your loving words describing Eileen resonate with me and brought back memories of being in your home while caring for Shannon. I know you will greatly miss her.
Cindy Martin
November 29, 2020
We lived next door to Jim and Eileen at 2001 for many many years. My niece Kayla and Ivy were buddies as little kids and played together and Eileen always made her feel like one of the family. She was always so warm and welcoming. Our love and prayers go out to Jim and the family. ❤️
The Albright Family – Mike & Suzanne
November 29, 2020
Peace to Jim and family. It has been a very long road. I was thinking about you the other day and of a picture I have with Gene and I at your table. It is a hard time to see you and give you a hug – but my heart is with you.
Christie Kerr
November 29, 2020
So sorry to hear of Eileen’s passing. She was a very special person. Have many wonderful memories of her and reenactments. Heaven has gained a special angel. My hugs and prayers ti Jim and the family
Love to all Faye
November 28, 2020
Eileen, it was a privilege to take care of Shannon and get to know you and Jim. You were a free spirit, a loving person and a warrior. Jim, you are a saint of a man and I am so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. I will always remember fondly the talks and the gallons of coffee shared. 💜
All my love Teresa Balmer
November 28, 2020
To Jim and all of your children and grandchildren. I had been honored to provide nursing care to Shannon and in doing so got to know and love both Jim and Eileen. She was a beautiful person and always added a bright spot to my day. My heart aches for all of you but knowing her memory will live in all of us will provide comfort in this time of grief. God bless you all.
Joel Balmer
