Eileen Grant, age 78, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so deeply.
Eileen was born in Wilmington, DE., daughter of the late George W. Quillivan, Sr., and Bertha (Birt) Quillivan, and later, the late Mary (Birt) Quillivan. Eileen also recently lost her twin sister, Kathleen Ferris. Their memory remained a guiding presence throughout her life.
Eileen grew up in the close-knit Forty Acres neighborhood of Wilmington, where she formed lifelong friendships and a strong sense of community. She was a proud graduate of St. Ann’s School and Padua Academy, foundations that shaped her faith, her kindness, and her unwavering work ethic.
Eileen had a long and productive career in the world of telecommunications starting with Diamond State Telephone in the mid 1960’s, then continuing through with AT&T, ultimately retiring in 1997.
In the years that followed, she found her true calling in the parish office at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church–a role she often said was “the best job she ever had.” Greeting parishioners, offering comfort, and sharing her gentle humor brought her immense joy. Years after her time in the parish office had concluded, Eileen continues to hold a special place in the heart of the St. Mary Magdalen Community.
Eileen’s greatest devotion was always to her family. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Charles A. Grant Jr., who was her steadfast companion and best friend. She leaves behind her son, Peter Manlove (Karen), and the grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Ryan Patrick, and Kelsey Marie, of Ellicott City, MD. She is also survived by her brother, George W. Quillivan Jr. (Peggy) of Huntsville, AL, and her sister Jean Episcopo of Newark, DE.
She loved all of her nieces and nephews and her great-nieces and great-nephews. She especially appreciated the additional time she had with Michelle Quillivan, Stephanie Ferris, and Sara Santana.
Eileen will be remembered as a great storyteller who loved to laugh and to make others laugh. She possessed a deep faith and an unmatched dedication to her work. Her greatest strength was the way she made every person feel seen and valued. Her legacy lives on in the family she adored and in the countless lives she touched with her kindness.
Friends and family are invited to attend a visitation on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington DE., 19803. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 10:00am at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church, 7 Sharpley Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803. Burial will follow at All Saints Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making donations to St. Mary Magdalen Roman Catholic Church, 7 Sharpley Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803.
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