Eileen Frances Goolgasian's Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Eileen Frances Goolgasian on August 14, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born Eileen Frances Lawton on June 16, 1931 in Herkimer, New York. Eileen lived a life full of love, service and devotion, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished by all who knew her.
The daughter of Edward and Mary Jane Lawton, Eileen was raised with strong values and a devout Catholic faith that she would later instill in her own children. She was a graduate of Herkimer High School and St. Elizabeth College of Nursing, where she cultivated her passion for caregiving. Eileen’s career as a nurse was highlighted in the May 18, 1955 edition of the Saturday Evening Post, a testament to her dedication to helping others. She served in various hospitals across New York and Virginia, including the Columbia Medical Center in New York City, nursing homes, and Mary Washington College.
Eileen was the beloved wife of the late John Paul Goolgasian II of Providence, Rhode Island, with whom she shared a deep and enduring love. They married on September 3, 1960 in Herkimer, New York. John, who passed away in 2003, was the love of her life, and Eileen remained devoted to his memory.
Eileen was a loving mother to three children: Betty Bond and her husband George of Stafford, Virginia; Lauri Sisk and her husband Jeffery of Spotsylvania, Virginia; and John Paul Goolgasian III and his fiancée Ann Runyon of Leesburg, Virginia. She was a devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren: Sarah Bond and her partner Alex Gabrielson, Molly (Bond) Henderson and her husband David, Jeffery Sisk Jr. and his wife Courtney, Lauren Sisk, Kenneth Sisk and his wife Lauren, Alexis Goolgasian and her fiancé Reinaldo Arreaza, and Morgan Goolgasian. Her love and warmth extended even further to her four great-grandchildren: Maddison Sisk, Nora Sisk, Reid Sisk, and Elsie Sisk.
A proud ‘Upstate New Yorker’, Eileen lived in various parts of New York state and Pennsylvania, moving to Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1978, where she made her home for the next 46 years. Her house was always immaculate and filled with love, laughter, and the aromas of her cooking and baking. Eileen was known for her fresh bread, which she brought to every family event, her sewing, her love of bingo, puzzles, card games, reading mystery books, and talking with family and friends into the late hours. A loving grandmother her home was a retreat for her grandchildren. It was a place of fun, treats, and comfort.
Eileen’s life was a beautiful example of love, devotion, and service to others. She touched many lives through her nursing career, her faith, and her unwavering commitment to her family. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her husband John Goolgasian II, father Edward Lawton, mother Mary Jane Lawton née Lincourt, brother Arthur Lawton and sister Betty Jean Lawton.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday August 20, 2024, at Found and Sons Funeral Chapels, 10719 Courthouse Road, Fredericksburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior. Interment will be private. The family invites those unable to attend the service to view via livestream at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyMzc2OTYxODMyMzkxMyZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
A reception to celebrate her life will follow the service at 3 pm at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 3700 Fallwood Ln., Fredericksburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Eileen’s name to the Autism Research Institute (https://autism.org/donation-classic/)
Rest in peace, dear Eileen. Your legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire us all.
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