Eileen Mae Stirling

life story

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Eileen M. Stirling, wife, mother, and educator. Eileen died peacefully on June 9, 2026 in St. Paul, Minnesota surrounded by her family.  Throughout her 95 years she touched many lives for the better with her generous and loving spirit.

Eileen Mae Dougherty was born on February 11, 1931 in St. Louis, Missouri to Morgan and Gladys Dougherty. Eileen grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, graduated from Washburn High School with high honors and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Minnesota. Eileen was admitted to the Phi Beta Kappa fraternity in recognition of her academic excellence and awarded the prestigious Order of the North Star, given to outstanding members of the Class of 1953. Eileen began her teaching career in Alexandria, Minnesota, and returned to the University of Minnesota to earn a Master’s degree in English and French.

Eileen met the love of her life, Richard Allyn Stirling, at the University YMCA. The couple were married at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis on May 29, 1955 and settled in Columbia, Missouri where her husband led the student YMCA at the University of Missouri. Their sons, David and Jeffrey, were born in Missouri, and in 1963 the family moved to Montclair, New Jersey when her husband took a job at the National Board of the YMCA in New York City.

In New Jersey Eileen returned to her vocation, co-founding the Union Congregational Church Weekday Nursery School in 1968. Under her leadership the school grew and expanded as hundreds of youngsters started on the path to productive and successful lives. 

After moving briefly to the Chicago area and spending a year in Geneva, Switzerland when her husband was posted to the World Alliance of YMCAs, Richard and Eileen retired to Greensboro, North Carolina.  Following her husband's death in 1989, Eileen continued to lead a full and enriching life focused on her church, civic organizations, volunteer activities, and the fine arts. She was a member of Congregational United Church of Christ for almost 40 years, a member of Church Women United, The League of Women Voters, and drove for Meals on Wheels. She supported charities around the world and local arts and classical music organizations.

Driven by an endless thirst for knowledge, Eileen was a lifelong learner with a passion for discovering new things while exploring the world around her. She traveled widely visiting most of the USA and many countries including such distant places as Greece and China.

Family was central to Eileen's life. She treasured every moment she spent with her loving husband Richard, and sons David and Jeffrey. Family vacations to Estes Park, Colorado, Gull Lake in Michigan, and Conneaut, Ohio were special memories. She was preceded in death by her parents Morgan and Gladys Dougherty, her sister Patricia Earl, and her husband Richard. She is survived by her sons David and Jeffrey (Shari Speer), and nieces and nephews Joe, Mary, Carol, Brian, and Andrew.

Eileen's legacy of love, learning, and generosity will be carried on by those who knew her. Her remarkable 95-year journey will forever be an inspiration. She is now in heaven reunited with her beloved husband Richard; may they enjoy eternal happiness together.  She will be greatly missed and always remembered.

Memorial Gifts in Eileen Stirling’s name may be made to:

     YMCA of the USA World Service

     YMCA Seven Council Fires (formerly Sioux YMCA)

     Congregational United Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC

memorial service

A Celebration of the Life of Eileen Mae Stirling

June 30, 2026

A family service was held at Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church, Minneapolis, MN.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services