of North Little Rock, AR
December 30, 1955 - October 13, 2024
EILEEN HENDERSON O'SULLIVAN, 68, of North Little Rock, Ark., died surrounded by family on October 13, 2024, after a sudden and unexpected brain aneurysm.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Patrick O'Sullivan of North Little Rock; their daughter Kelly O'Sullivan of Chicago (Alex Thompson) and grandson, Milo; their son Dr. Kevin O'Sullivan of Texarkana; and sister Barbara Henderson Forest of Sherwood, as well as four brothers-in-law and many nephews and nieces.
Born in Tulsa, OK, on December 30, 1955, she is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Mary Brown Henderson, and sisters Mary Ann Henderson Richter and Rebecca Henderson.
Her ashes will be buried alongside her family at Carlisle Cemetery.
Eileen was the best mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and granny anyone could hope for.
Whip smart and exceedingly clever, she had a mischievous wit and deeply generous heart. She was genuinely curious about everyone she met, was a gifted conversationalist, and made sure everyone at a table felt included.
She loved reading to her children when they were young, giving each character a unique, enthusiastic voice. She read the same cherished books to her grandson, Milo, with equal gusto. She loved singing and dancing for him and making him squeal with delight. She was so much fun.
She said she was shy, but was often the life of the party. She loved to be silly. She organized the best dirty Santa games and stashed cash in the ''worst'' gifts. She facilitated everyone coming home for holidays, cleaned like crazy for the week before, and worked hard to cook a meal for everyone to enjoy.
She was physically beautiful her whole life. People often marveled how she didn't seem to age. She had the most gorgeous long, blonde hair. She loved to hike, walked at a breakneck pace, and would leave any slowpokes in the dust. She called her laugh a cackle, but it was pure joy.
She had a healthy and infectious skepticism of authority. Her comments were often unfiltered. A priest once said she had a belligerent look during church. When he said to bow heads, she would lift her chin. She had a great deadpan stare when met with dopes. Her temper was fiery. She drove at nearly dangerous speeds.
She was immensely compassionate and empathetic, denounced bullies, and stuck up for people and animals who were picked on. She didn't eat pork because pigs are so smart and wouldn't eat lamb because they hadn't had a chance to live.
She LOVED being a mother and grandmother. Her grandchild, Milo, lit up whenever he saw her. She was often the smartest and funniest person in the room. Her love for her children was and is enormous and steadfast. They always knew she was proud of them, and they loved making her proud. She was married to her beloved husband, Patrick, for 45 years, and often said how lucky she was to have snagged him. They loved doing crosswords together, visiting their children, playing Jeopardy, and teaching Milo new skills.
She always wanted to learn, earning three college degrees in marketing, English and accounting. She passed all parts of the CPA exam in the first try. She taught herself Spanish through watching telenovelas and reading Spanish translations of Harry Potter. She loved theater, movies, and music, organized family trips to the Stratford, Ontario, theater festival, drove her daughter to countless rehearsals and play performances.
She was the organizer, biggest fan, and lifeblood of her family. ''Vibrant'' is the word most used about her. She was passionately alive in the time of her life. Her spirit, joy, energy, humor, compassion, ferocity, wisdom, and love will live forever in those lucky enough to know and love her. She will be dearly missed but forever loved and remembered.
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9 Condolence(s)
Susan Jones Boe
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Patrick and family and I am sorry for your loss. My husband passed into spirit four years ago, I hope as I have, you find some comforting grace in precious family memories. PS: We were both at Worthen Bank forever ago.
Candace Trieu
Monday, December 9, 2024
Eileen was a wonderful friend. I would always feel better after talking with her. She was interested in so many things. We shared an interest in comparative religions and genealogy. Her family was important to her. She felt that she was lucky to be married to Patrick and that their relationship had only gotten better over the years. Kelly and Kevin were so loved and she was proud of them and so happy to become a grandma. She always showed so much interest in my son, Michael, knowing how much I loved him. She would be happy to know that Michael and Tia got married November 30. That was one of Eileen’s best qualities. She really cared about other people. I will miss her but I feel blessed to have known her. She will always be my friend
JoAnn Martin
Sunday, December 8, 2024
I’m so sad for you and your family as you have such a deep hole in your heart due to the death of Your Sweet and Loving Eileen. God’s amazing presence to each of you. JoAnn (Neighbor)
Peggy Mathews Shoptaw
Thursday, December 5, 2024
Patrick, my heart hurt for you and your family as I read the beautifully written obituary for Eileen. I remember when we all were Worthen Bank employees and you two fell in love. What a wonderful life you have enjoyed but now you will feel as if part of who you are is missing. I am sorry you have to walk this difficult path in life but please know that God will provide in many unexpected ways.
I will remember forever the kindness of your dad to me. When I see the building at 200 West Capitol, I think of all he endured through the years of managing that property.
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless.
Mauri and Lee Douglass
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Patrick,
Lee and I were so sad to learn of Eileen’s passing. We always loved being around her. You captured her spirit so perfectly!
She made everyone around her seem like the most important person in the world. I never heard her utter an unkind word about anyone. She was such a wonderful person.
Lee and I are thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Beth and Mike Coulson
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Patrick and family,
Mike and I are so sorry that Eileen has been taken from you all so soon. What a beautiful lady . She adored you all.
How lucky are that saying goodbye to someone you love is so hard..Winnie the Pooh
Tony Rodgers
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Paterick and children, I too was blessed to know Eileen. All the kind things said about her were true. She introduced Mary and I to the Children's Theater and gave us season tickets. Eileen, Candy and I had a many a lunch together and never was it boring. I am saddened at her loss. I will never forget her never dull presence!
Susan Weinstein
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
I am so saddened to hear of Eileen's passing. Our children did Children's Theater together many years ago, and I've followed Kelly's path. She led such a full life--may her memory be a blessing.
Sue
Peggy Shelnutt
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
My heart is broken hearing of the untimely death of your precious Eileen. She was such a happy person. Her fun mannerism, her smile, her straightforward speaking, her beautiful long hair. Any conversation I ever had with Eileen left me feeling upbeat. I never heard her complain. Eileen's cup was always full, and her childlike spirit always warmed my heart. Patrick, you and your children are in my prayers. I'm so glad you have such wonderful memories. She will always be with you.