Eileen Smith Christian, 93, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026 at Abington Memorial Hospital. She was born on August 24, 1933, in Woodstown, New Jersey, to Margaret O’Connor Smith and Clarence Smith. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Carolyn and Steven, and her grandson, Daniel. Eileen was a graduate of Woodstown High School in Salem County, NJ, where she distinguished herself as a talented student, class leader, and accomplished athlete. She carried that same energy, determination, and competitive spirit throughout her life. After high school, she attended Bucknell University, where she studied for two years before leaving to marry and begin her family.

Family was at the heart of Eileen’s life. She was a devoted mother to her four children: Stephen (Maureen), Douglas (Roseann), Peter (Cindy), and Marnie. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren—Kelly, Peter, Emily, Samuel, Spencer, Julia, Allison, and Carly—and a great-grandmother to five great-grandchildren—Parker, Quinn, Harry, Louisa, and Hobie.

Eileen was a wonderful role model for her children. Through the example she set, she taught them the importance of family, giving of oneself to others, pursuing interests with enthusiasm, and meeting life with strength and determination. Her children and grandchildren carry those lessons with them today.

For many years, Eileen drew on her relationship-building skills, working in public relations for organizations she cared about. She sold advertising for and produced the annual June Fete Gala Program Book, which raised funds for Abington Memorial Hospital. She also shared her expertise with the Fort Washington Expo Center, selling advertising for and producing its semi-annual guides.

Giving back was an important part of Eileen’s life. She was an active and dedicated community volunteer, generously giving her time to the Jenkintown Day Nursery, the Women’s Board of Abington Memorial Hospital, the Abington YMCA, Reading Buddies, and the Book Cellar at the Abington Free Library. She was also deeply philanthropic, supporting many organizations and causes that were close to her heart. Among her favorites were Doctors Without Borders, The Nature Conservancy, Abington Memorial Hospital, and Friends of the Abington Free Library. Her generosity reflected her belief in helping others and leaving her community and the world a little better than she found them.

Eileen had many interests that brought her great pleasure throughout her life. She loved to cook and share good food with family and friends. She was an art lover, a jazz enthusiast, an avid reader, and enjoyed needlepoint, playing the piano, and taking art classes. Jigsaw and crossword puzzles were a part of her daily routine. She loved the ocean and the beach. Spending time at the shore with family and friends was one of her greatest joys.

A social butterfly, Eileen formed deep and lasting friendships throughout every chapter of her life. She had friends of all ages and cherished the connections she made along the way. She knew how to have fun, and her warmth, energy, and genuine interest in others made her wonderful company for her friends and family.

Eileen will be remembered for her love of family and friends, her generosity, her independence and strong spirit, and her curiosity about the world around her. She lived a full and purposeful life, giving freely of her time, resources, and affection. Most of all, she leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and who will continue to be guided by the example she set.

A private service is being planned for her immediate family, and there will be a larger celebration in Eileen’s memory at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations Eileen supported, such as:

Doctors Without Borders, P.O. Box 5023, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5023. https://give.doctorswithoutborders.org/campaign/675296/donate

The Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 22203 https://www.nature.org/en-us/membership-and-giving/donate-to-our-mission/other-ways-to-give/honor-and-tribute-giving/

Abington Memorial Hospital, Jefferson Office of Institutional Advancement, Department 825434, P.O. Box 71331, Philadelphia, PA 19176-1331

https://giving.jefferson.edu/ways-to-give/tribute-gifts.html

Friends of the Abington Free Library, 1030 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001. https://www.abingtonfreelibrary.org/honor-books