ALBANY – Amodeo, Eileen Mary Hines, passed away peacefully at home on September 20, 2020. Eileen was born in Cohoes, N.Y. on March 17, 1926, the daughter of John and Ellen Scanlon Hines. She was preceded in death by her only sibling, Gordon Francis Hines, and her beloved husband of over 60 years, Patrick J. Amodeo. Throughout her life Eileen was guided by her quiet faith, her love of family and dedication to her treasured friends.
Eileen was raised in the Pine Hills neighborhood of Albany and attended Vincentian Institute and the College of St. Rose, where she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education. She began her teaching career at School 19 (New Scotland Elementary) in Albany, where some 60 years later her son David would become the principal.
She left the classroom to raise her family, side by side with her husband Pat. She is survived by her 11 children, Laura Cataldo and her husband Paul, Patrick and his wife Madeline, John and his wife Tisha, Vincent Gregory and his wife Jessica, Amy O’Connell and her husband Dan, Paul and his wife Lisa, Elaine Dimase and her husband Frank, David and his wife Margie, Matthew and his wife Shannon, Mark and his wife Mary, and Maria Bechard and her husband Andy.
Her grandchildren, Anne, Brendan, Eileen, Theresa, Paul, Elise, Christine, Aja, Graham, Grace, Greta, Eryn, Andrew, Luke, Daniel, Meredith, Aidan, Justin, John, David, Zachary, Benjamin, Eleanor, Gordon, Catherine, Caroline, Elizabeth and Louisa have cherished memories of her faithful attendance at First Communions, piano recitals, concerts, ice skating competitions, graduations, and the many letters she sent to them while they were away at school. Eileen was delighted with her great-grandchildren, Vivian, Mila, and August.
When her children were of school age, Eileen returned to teaching, and subsequently accepted a position as a supervisor of student teachers at the College of St. Rose. It was a job she loved. With her experience in the classroom, she was well equipped to advise and instruct new teachers at the start of their careers. Upon her retirement, Eileen was often approached in the aisles of the Christmas Tree Shop, or Macy’s, by her former students, who would extend their appreciation for the wise counsel she gave them during their student teaching experience. Fortunate were those student teachers who received her well regarded letter of recommendation that inevitably resulted in their placement in their own classrooms.
Eileen loved a party, especially when it was to celebrate her St. Patrick’s Day birthday. The house would be decorated with shamrocks and leprechauns, with family, friends and neighbors invited to celebrate. On occasion she would be serenaded by bagpipes. Holiday tables were set with china, crystal, and sterling silver and there were always plentiful gifts under the Christmas tree – we wondered how she did it all! One particular December day, she actually finished her Christmas shopping moments after learning that the baby she was to give birth to in three weeks was actually twins.
The value Eileen placed on her friendships was an inspiration to her children. Several times a month she and her friends gathered for evening bridge. We fondly remember the clinking of glasses, the quiet chatter, and the smell of coffee brewing at 11:00 P.M. For her friends at a distance, there were frequent phone calls and letters bringing everyone up to date on her life and the life of her family.
Hers was a life well lived and she will be deeply missed.
We thank Dr. Richard Lavigne and his nurse Colleen for the decades of exceptional, compassionate care they provided our mother. And Dr. Teddy Pan for his kind attention and care. Special recognition belongs to Dr. Frank Dimase, Eileen’s son-in-law. No patient received better bedside care from the countless house calls he made.
With a profound sense of gratitude, we thank the extraordinary women whose loving care of Eileen allowed her to remain in her home. To Lynette and Lorna, we could not have made it through these past nine months without you. To Kim, Kamesshia, Mary, Assia, Vanessa, Rowena, and Merlene, our heartfelt thanks for the tender, loving care you gave our mother.
Services will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made in Eileen’s name to the College of St. Rose, 432 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203, or the Albany Fund for Education, Treasurer, AFE, PO Box 3110, Albany, NY 12203. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Noreen Conti
My husband, Frank, and I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to all of the Amodeo family. I spent a good deal of my childhood visiting with Laura and her brothers and sisters and Pat and Eileen. Great family! I also knew Jim and Josie Amodeo, who were Pat’s parents, and my family’s neighbors, who lived across the street from us. Again, great people.
Over the years, I kept in touch with Laura and her Mom. Eileen was my supervisor when I was a student teacher at the College of St. Rose and she was good at her job. After her husband Pat died, my husband and I sent a mass card from St. Pius X to Eileen. I attended the mass not knowing if Eileen could and low and behold she came. She said to me, “I bet you thought I wouldn’t come.” We both giggled. That was Eileen. She will be missed but I’m glad she is in God’s peace.
Sincerely, Noreen & Frank Conti
Martine Oversteyns
I want to bring over my condoleances to the familie Amodeo ,to Zach and Ben and their parents! I hope whitin time the good memories of your grandmother will comfort you all! Sincerely, Martine Oversteyns.
Father David Berberian
With you (and there sure are lots of you!) in thought and prayer. I wish I had known her – but have no doubt seen part of her in the family members I have been lucky to know. Peace and blessings.
paul mineau
To Dave and all your family, so sorry for your loss.
Carolyn Dollard
My condolences on your loss. My mother Anne Mohan Dollard was a childhood friend. She would always tell me of the St. Patrick’s birthday party she attended. Best thing about it, there was no Lenten restrictions that day. Remember the good things.
Fran Akelewicz
God gained another angel to watch over all. Many blessings to the entire Amodeo family. Prayers.
Edward Ranney
To the Amodeo Family, your mom will be greatly missed. My family has great memories of both your mom and dad. We will always remember the love she had for you. She was a great friend to our mom. Our thoughts are with you now.
Julie OConnor
To Amy and Dan And Maria and the rest of the family.
We’re so sorry for your loss. We only met Eileen a couple of times, but we remember her as a charming and funny lady.
Our sincerest sympathies.
Julie O’Connor and Bill Rehfuss
Joe Cunningham
Dear Amodeo Family,
I was so troubled to hear of the passing of your Mom. She was such a great lady and Mom. When your house on W Lawrence St. was bursting at the seams with children, your Mom always made room for me. I will never forget that. Love and prayers to you all. We were all blessed to know your Mom.
Mary K Amodeo
On behalf of the Anthony/Dora Amodeo branch of the family we wish to extend our sympathies to Eileen’s family. May she rest in the peace of the Lord with her beloved Pat.
In Prayer and Sympathy,
Tony and Mary K Amodeo
Edward M. Cahill
To Patrick and his family, I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences.
MaryJane Whittemore
I was so saddened to read of your beloved mom’s passing. “Mrs. Amodeo” was such a big part of my memories of living on Myrtle Avenue in the 60’s. With our adjoining backyards, my mom and yours became such good friends. I know your many photos, family celebrations and remembrances will keep her memory alive. Loving thoughts to you all.
Patty weinlein
To the entire Amodeo Family my deepest sympathy to all of you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember your mom/grandma with the fondest of memories.
Margaret Lamar King
Sending loving condolences to all who loved her.
Jackie Kessler
To Pat and all of your loved ones,
I was deeply sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. In Judaism, when we lose someone we cherish, we say, “May their memory be a blessing.” In that way, they always stay alive in our hearts and souls.
May her memory always be a blessing.
Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Jackie
Jeanne Hagerty
Dear Amodeo family, the Murray family from 3 houses away on West Lawrence Street way back in the day, extends our condolences to all of you.
I babysat when there were at least of you, Laura, Pat and John. My last time, when I was in college at CSR, your mom left me with 8 of you. I just hoped that the same 8 kids were still at home when she returned!
Irene calls your mom the bright light of West Lawrence St. I remember her calm and caring disposition. May she rest in peace.
Irene Murray
Dear Amodeo Family,
I saw your mother’s beautiful face in the newspaper today. We would ask often over the years, how is your mother doing and getting reports of good health and then sending messages to say hello from The Murrays. Most often seeing Laura and her husband and then Margie over at the Union Adirondack Library.
What a lovely woman we had in our neighborhood on West Lawrence. She always had that gentle, patient voice and smile. There would be all sorts of kids to play with when I’d visit the house. Laura, Pat and John, Vincent Gregory and Paul were the closest in age to myself and diapers always to fold. Mrs. Amodeo’s life was so full of family and education and friends.
I am sure my mother appreciated her being three doors down, her friend.
Memories and stories to cherish.
My condolences to you all.
Peace, Irene Murray
Maggie Kirwin
I was fortunate to have known Eileen Amodeo during the years and beyond when she worked with dedication on behalf of her student teachers at The College of Saint Rose. Eileen was a kind, competent, gentle person, and consummate professional. My sympathy to her family and friends.
Suzanne Allegretti
To Mark and Mary Amodeo and their beautiful daughters,
We just read about Eileen’s death. We are sending so much love to you all ! Mark, your Mom sounds like such an awesome woman! Just like Suzanne’s Mom, who raised a houseful, we are marveling about her ability to accomplish so much. How did she do it all? We love you guys and hold you in our hearts at this time and always!
Hope to see you all soon,
Suzanne and Joe Allegretti
Kathy Quackenbush
John and family. Thinking of you during this difficult time. May your mom Rest In Peace.
Kathy Quackenbush
Brian Murphy
John, Pat and all.
So sorry for you loss. I remember you mother fondly.
Karen Rider Coleman
Pat and family- my deepest condolences and prayers for all of you. The greatest gift our parents gives to us is wonderful, cherished memories. Nothing is as previous as thinking of all the special days and times while growing up. May those memories bring you many smiles- and yes, some tears- in the days and years ahead. In love and prayers, Karen Rider Coleman
JOHN A PACINI
Pat,
Sorry for your loss.
Patty Westover
I was blessed to have Mrs. Amodeo as my supervisor for student teaching at St Rose. Her warm, kind spirit is something I took with me as I started my teaching career. I believe that her spirit is something I passed along to my students over my 40 years of teaching. My sympathy to her family and friends.
Kim Gibson
Laura, Amy and family,
My deepest condolences to you all during this difficult time. Your family and friends hold you all in their arms with love and friendship.
Fr. Neil Pezzulo
Truly the loss of both a family icon and matriarch.
Eileen was always kind and gracious on the rare ocasionas I was actually in Albany and would see her. There is no doubt in my mind that the gates of heaven welcomed her with open arms.
This Sunday we will be remembering her at Mass.
Please know that we down here in Tennessee are holding you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Marc Gerstman and Christine Costopoulos
Mark and Mary, We are so sorry about the passing of your Mother. She sounds like an amazing person. May her memory ease your pain in this difficult time.
Mary Jean Nagengast
Dear Amodeo Family,
Coming from a family of 11 (like yours), most of us Nagengast’s attending VI with the Amodeo kids. I was in the same grade as Pat. My brother Michael was a great friend of John and Tish. My sister Anne worked w and friends w Dave and Margie. I can say with pride we have great families, parents and tons of wonderful memories of our childhood.
On behalf of the Nagengast family, we extend to you our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy.
Amelia K Boel
My deepest condolences to all. Eileen was a remarkable woman. Working with her at School 16 in her student teacher supervisory position was always a joy. May she rest comfortably in the arms of Jesus.
Sincerely,
Amy Boel
Judy Pelgrin Grimsley
Dear Amodeo Family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mom. I’m sure there is a big Tek Hughes party in Heaven. My sympathy and prayers are with your family.
Judy Pelgrin Grimsley
Ed Newell
To Dave & the rest of the family,
My sincerest condolences. She was the matriarch of a truly wonderful family.
Sridar Chittur
Sorry for your loss Dave. My sincere condolences to you and your family. May she rest in peace.
Eileen Bucci
Elaine and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. She was a special lady and I loved reading about her. Elaine I now know who you take after. I know we’ve talked about our Moms a lot and I hope they meet up in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Sincerely Eileen Bucci.
Tom and Leah Tyrrell
Please know that we have your dear mother and your entire family in our thoughts and prayers. We have fond memories of your mother at our Holy Cross receptions in Albany; so proud on her daughter and son who graduated from the college. With our deepest sympathies
Amy Colello
To the Amodeo family,
You mother sounds like an incredible person who raised a wonderful family in addition to her many talents. Condolences from our family to yours.
Rick Connolly
I want to give my deepest condolences to all the Amodeo children. We lost our mom last October and I know how hard it can be. Your entire family is in my prayers
Chris Heisman
What wonderful memories I have of your Mom! She was truly the best friend my Mother had. Bridge club was full of happy laughter, a few high balls , dessert and coffee. They were special nights of a handful of bridge mix and maybe even a ginger ale for us kids. Our parents left us memories, example, traditions and love for each other. I was glad to read such a personal obit.
All of the Owens family wish you sympathy and love as you celebrate your Mother.
Sister Honora Kinney
Please accept my deepest sympathy as you mourn the loss of your mother or grandmother. It seems fitting that she passed away just as the College of Saint Rose was celebrating its 100th birthday. Mrs. Amodeo was a graduate of whom Saint Rose could be very proud and she served her Alma Mater with loving care.
I would also like to reach out to my student, Amy. I appreciated her work as Registrar, and I enjoyed sitting behind the O’Connell family at Saint Vincent’s.
Josephine Amore
To The Amodeo Family,
Your beloved mother was an exquisite person loved by all she came in contact with. There are no words to express our deepest condolences but know that you all have wonderful , beautiful memories and stories to remember her by. May the memories ease your pain during this difficult time. Your entire family is in our prayers.
Josephine Amore and Family
Vida Wehren
To Maria and the Amodeo family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your mother. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Betty Sullivan
Dear Amodeo Family,
Eileen was a very special person, loved by all. I met her when I coordinated the placement of student teachers at The College of St. Rose from 1988 – 1993. We remained friends ever since. We would meet at Mass at Mater Christi and she would always ask about my family. My husband and I had the privilege of dinner with Eileen and Pat at their home on Harding Street. About 2 years ago, Nora Quigley and Wilma Jensen (student teaching supervisors), and I had lunch at Eileen’s home. We reminisced about the time that we worked together with other student teaching supervisors: Olive Bray, Rosemary Cameron, Tom Connolly, and Jack Hickey. When Eileen lived on Western Avenue, she hosted several festive gatherings for the student teaching supervisors. That was Eileen, not only a colleague but a true friend. Such beautiful memories. I feel very privileged to have known such a gracious woman and dedicated mother. My condolences to the Amodeo family. Eileen and the Amodeo family are in my prayers.
David Kircher
To the Amodeo Family,
Thank you for the beautifully written tribute to your Mom, Eileen. It was a joy to read. She truly was a special person. Growing up in Pines Hills, we were fortunate to have Mom’s like Eileen.; strong, compassionate, smart and loving.
Our parents were forever friends with Eileen n Pat. We learned the value of good friends through their example.
Eilleen always had a smile for you and concern for your well being. I will always remember her last visit to our Mom and the sacrifice she made getting there. She will always be in my heart and in my memory.
Embrace all of the wonderful memories she has given you. It is her everlasting gift.
Austin Childs
Amy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family on the loss of your Mother. Know that God needed angel and your Mom was the only capable for the job. She’s in Heaven!
Sue Hahn Guba
Dear Pat and Family,
My deepest sympathy in the passing of your mom. She and your dad were always welcoming to those of us “strays” from CSR who happened to be visiting.
Prayers to you,
Sue
John Church
Dave, Mark, Matt and family. My most heartfelt condolences to you all during this sad time. Though I didn’t know your Mom that well I know through the children that she and your Dad raised that she was an amazing woman. I hope the coming days, weeks and months provide all the opportunity to get together, reminisce, reflect, laugh and cry. Hang in
Ann Shaw
Amy and Elaine, I was sorry to learn of your mom’s passing. Please know I am thinking of you and your family as you celebrate Eileen’s long and influential life.
Deb Tutay
Dearest Laura, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your beautiful Mother.
Know that I am thinking of you and your family.
Gregory Maguire
I have nothing but warm memories for the apparently unflappable matriarch of the beloved Amodeo family of Pine Hills. Little to say but that I will keep her in my prayers, and all her beloved survivors. She will live in your hearts.
Willy Ray
Eileen and our mother, Florence Ray, were friends for a very long time after going to both high school and college together. They both also lived long full lives with big families! Our condolences for your loss.
God Bless.
– The Rays
Nancy Egerton
Our family wanted to send you our heartfelt thoughts with the passing of your Mom.
The Egertons
Maryellen Rudolph
My sincere condolences to Laura,Paul and family. What a tremendous review of your Mom’s life. So many lovely memories, for you all. Best wishes to your entire family during these sad times.
Maryellen Rudolph
Neighbor of Laura and Paul
Julie Carey Jackson
I’m sorry for your loss. My mother, Ruth Rextrew Carey, was very fond of your mother. I remember Matthew and I left Albany High one day and walked to your house for a cold lemonade with Eileen.
She was so welcoming and kind and always took an interest in others. You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Audrey Hoffman
Hi David
My deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your dearest Mom. I know how you all struggled with caring for her as she approached her later years. She certainly had a very full life raising her family and she certainly left an incredible legacy to all of you. May she be of blessed memory to all of you forever.
Fondly,
Audrey Hoffman, the Hoffman family and Herm Ungerman
Mary Mastrianni Cullinan
Sending the entire Amedeo family love and prayers on the passing of your beautiful mother Eileen. My mom was so happy to become part of the bridge group and so enjoyed time with your Mom, Mrs. Allen, and Mrs. Breedlove. They also enjoyed the Garden Club. Most of all, they shared deep love for their families and good memories of their children at VI. I enjoyed working with several Amodeo children and meeting your Mom at library events. My sincere condolences.