Eileen Callista Oates peacefully passed away at the age of 94 on June 1, 2024. Eileen's life was marked by her unwavering love and support for her family.

Born March 28, 1930, in the Bronx to Robert and Madeline Collins, Eileen was one of five children. She is survived by her brother Richard Collins (Eileen) and was pre-deceased by brother Robert Collins and sisters Rosemary Collins and Madeline Lovgren.

Eileen was a proud military veteran, having served as a phlebotomist in the US Army. Her time in the military was marked by dedication and a strong sense of duty, traits that she carried into her life after her service ended. When her career in the Army concluded, Eileen shifted her focus to supporting her husband during his military career, ensuring he had the strength and encouragement he needed. Alongside this, she dedicated herself to raising their five children, providing them with a loving and stable home. Her experiences and values from the Army instilled a deep sense of resilience and commitment within her family, shaping their lives with her steadfast support and care.

In her younger years Eileen played on a woman's semi-professional softball team in New York, showcasing her athletic talent and competitive spirit. Later, she channeled this passion into developing and coaching a girls' softball team in her then hometown of Tuckerton, N.J. Her initiative provided these young athletes with the opportunity to hone their athletic skills, build teamwork, and foster a sense of camaraderie. Through her dedication and leadership, Eileen not only promoted physical fitness but also empowered girls with confidence and a strong sense of community.

Eileen loved baseball and was a huge fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, never missing an opportunity to cheer for her favorite team. She was also an avid bowler, often spending evenings at the lanes perfecting her game. A good game of bingo brought her joy, as did the occasional trip to Atlantic City.

Eileen was pre-deceased by the love of her life, her husband Joe on May 5, 2024, a loss that she simply could not recover from. She was also predeceased by their granddaughter, Amy Paul (Sept. 12, 1993).

Eileen is survived by children Callista Yacullo, Kathleen Neu, Joseph (Sheila), Mark (Karin), and Rosemarie Mobley (Glenn). She is also survived by grandchildren: Bob Paul (Alecia), Harry Artemisio, Patrick Artemisio, Holly Page (Kyle), Daniel Oates (Jay), Kevin Oates, and Rebecca Oates, as well as great-grandchildren, Erin (Trey), Kayla, Caroline, Joseph, Kylie, HallieRose, Harry, and Candace, and great-great-grandchildren, Truman and Emme.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 510 E Main St, Wallace, NC 28466.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  on Friday at the church.

Interment with military honors will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday June 7, 2024, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, NC.

Memorial gifts can be sent to the charity of your choice in memory of Eileen C. Oates.

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Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace.