Eileen L. Garry, age 98, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on Feb. 23.
Eileen L. Garry was the wife of Marshall; mother of Josh (Ronna Kitay Garry) Garry, Paul (Susan Rollins ) Garry, Stephanie (Art Tatge) Garry; grandmother of Aaron (Shawna), Michael (Rebecca), David, Ben (Caroline), Leslie (Larry) and Zach (Briana); and great-grandmother of nine beautiful children.
Eileen was most proud of her contributions in the community. They are as follows: Executive director of Epsten Gallery for 12 years; president of Sisterhood at B’nai Jehudah; member of the board of National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods ( now known as the Women for Reform Judaism); lifelong member of National Council of Jewish Women; lifelong member of Hadassah; third president and founding member of Congregation Beth Torah; president of Women’s Division - The Jewish Federation of Kansas City; and chair of Jewish Education Council.
In her early years, she attended Syracuse University and New York University. She was the vice president of The PTA at JC Nichols School and president of The Women’s Auxiliary of Mnookin Brown American legion post.
A true advocate of the civil rights movement, she found the world of contemporary art late in life and became a devoted fan. Even into her 90s, she volunteered as a greeter at the Kemper Museum.
She loved her life in Kansas City, loved following sports, and yet her family and friends knew her heart remained in the East in New York where she was born.
Memorial services will be held at Congregation Beth Torah (6100 W. 127th St., Overland Park, KS 66209) at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 4. A private burial was held at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Contributions may be made to Congregation Beth Torah or Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Online condolences may be made at mtmoriah.net.
