WORD, EILEEN

WORD, EILEEN HOPPING
Eileen Hopping Word (nee James), formerly of Cape May Court House, New Jersey, passed into the Kingdom of God on Friday, February 14, 2025. Eileen died peacefully at Regina Memory Care in Hastings, Minnesota at the age of 86, surrounded by the love of family members, beloved friends, and devoted hospice angels.
Eileen was born in Summit, New Jersey on May 7, 1938, to Clarence (“John”) and Rosena James and later welcomed a little brother, Danny. Eileen's family and extended family got together often as she was growing up in New Jersey, and her family's presence in the United States can be traced back to the arrival of the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock in 1620.
Eileen's lifelong love of all things in nature can also be traced back to her days as a young girl, including having a tomato stand at an early age. Eileen enjoyed gardening (especially peas, spinach, and flowers) and experiencing the growth of new life all around her, which she avidly observed and documented in journals, detailing the many birds, frogs, salamanders, furry creatures, and wildflowers that she would see in her frequent nature walks and bike rides.
Eileen graduated from Chatham High School and Farleigh Dickinson University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree. Eileen put her degree and great intellect to use as a Medical Technologist at Morristown Medical Center from 1960 through 1995 while living in Madison, New Jersey with her first husband, William (“Bill”) Hopping until his untimely death. During their marriage, Eileen and Bill established the Madison Central Model Railroad (“MCMR”) in their basement and would run regular shows of this for the benefit of the Madison YMCA, raising thousands of dollars for the YMCA's behalf. Also, while living in Madison, Eileen was a board member of the Madison Steppers walking group, which was featured in the local newspaper.
Throughout Eileen's life, she enjoyed traveling, both nationally and abroad, taking in nature, surroundings, cultures, and foods. Whether biking in Italy, cross-country skiing in Vermont, visiting local markets in France and Amish villages in Pennsylvania, riding the ferries to the beaches in Bermuda, or taking in the sights in Colorado and Russia, Eileen made lasting friendships wherever she went.
In 2005, Eileen reconnected with a former Chatham High School classmate, David Word, as a co-member of the committee to plan their 50th class reunion. Eileen and David married in 2007 and moved to the Cape May area in 2008, along with her adorable dog, George, who approved of the marriage and the move. Eileen and David joined the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church and found great fellowship and friendships in the congregation and community.
Eileen and David moved to Hastings, MN in 2021 to be near David's son John and family. During their time together, Eileen continued to enjoy regular visits to dine out with views of the Mississippi River and in-town waterfalls, trips to the Carpenter Nature Center, enjoying live music at a local winery, looking forward to Spring and new life, and watching the ducks on the pond from John's patio with her memorable smiles and chuckles.
Eileen was preceded in death by her first husband, William, her parents, Clarence and Rosena, her brother, Danny, and her second husband, David (2023). She is survived by her cousin, Christine Davidson, her step son-in-law, John, her step-daughter-in law, Kristine, her step-grand-daughter, Josephine (“Nana” to Josephine), her step-daughter-in-law, Jennifer, her step-granddaughter Ashley, and step-granddaughter, Rachel.
Services will be held at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, 780 Seashore Road, Cape May, NJ 08204 on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. and service of celebration at 11:00 a.m.; followed by graveside committal and reception. In lieu of flowers or condolences, donations may be made to Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. Condolences at www.radzieta.com