Eileen F. (Riel) Kowal, 79, died on November 20, 2022, at Linda Manor in Leeds surrounded by her family. She was born on November 28, 1942, in Dorchester, MA. The daughter of the late Henry J. and Sophia E. (Skrzyniarz) Riel. She moved to Easthampton with her parents as a young child where she was educated at the former Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ School in Easthampton then continued to Smith Vocational Agricultural School in Northampton where she graduated in 1960, she then attended Springfield Technical High School where she graduated from Culinary Arts in 1962. After graduation, Eileen was employed at many nursing homes in the area as a cook supervisor. She also worked for several years as a cook for the Easthampton School System. She was a co-owner of Pioneer Valley Stamp Company.
Eileen enjoyed spending many afternoons with her husband at Pulaski Park dancing and listening to area Polka bands. Eileen was predeceased by her beloved husband Robert “Bob” Kowal in 2021 they spent over 56 years together.
She leaves her beloved son Robert Kowal, Jr. and Pauline LaValley of Easthampton. Her Grandchildren: Robert Kowal III, Jennifer Roy both of Easthampton, Kristina Kowal of Turners Falls, Timothy Kowal of Greenfield and Amber Kowal of Leyden.
Her Funeral will be on Wednesday, November 30th beginning at 9:00AM from the Boucher-O’Brien Funeral Home, 7 Pleasant St. Easthampton, with a Funeral Mass at 10 AM at Our Lady of the Valley Parish, with burial to follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery. Calling hours will be at the funeral home, Tuesday November 29th 4:00-6:00 PM. In Lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Shriners Hospital or the Easthampton Ambulance Fund, C/O of the Easthampton Fire Dept. 57 Payson Ave. Easthampton, MA 01027.