In Memory: Eileen (Rice) Kent, Age 84

On Sunday, May 19th, 2024, Eileen (Rice) Kent passed away at the age of 84 in Rye, NY. Eileen is survived by her devoted husband, David Kent, of almost 50 years as well as her loving children, Richard Smyth (Anne) of Vestavia Hills, AL and Susan Daly (Pat) of Tarrytown, NY. In later years Eileen’s greatest pride and joy were her six beloved grandchildren, Jayne, Patrick, Mary, Aine, Sean and Aidan and numerous nephews and nieces, all of whom were like her own grandchildren. She follows in the footsteps of her mother, Mae, her father, Jim, her sister, Fran, and her dear friends Babby and Helen, who went before her. She is survived by her loving sister Joan Rice of Riverdale and lifelong friends from Washington Heights.

From Washington Heights and Independence Avenue in The Bronx to Rye, NY and Guilford, CT, she managed to positively impact each of the many communities she called home. Eileen played the roles of wife, student, friend, author, media journalist, tour guide, community activist, patron of the arts, and, to her greatest pride, mother and grandmother. Through her devotion to her own curiosity and the well-being of the immediate world around her, Eileen changed the landscape of whatever community she happened to inhabit, be it Rye, Washington Heights, Guilford CT, or Hampton Bays. Even those unfortunate enough to find themselves on the wrong side of Eileen’s determination to fight for her world would attest to her grit, resolve, and strength of spirit.

Her legacy lives on through her living family, and in the wealth of writing, photography, and other expressive documentation she so thoughtfully leaves behind.

The family will be receiving at Graham Funeral home in Rye, NY on May 21st from 4:00pm – 7:00pm. A Mass of the Christian burial will be held at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, New York on Wednesday May 22nd at 10:00am.