Eileen Conti

November 15, 1934-May 26, 2004

In 1980, Eileen and Mike moved from Long Island, New York to Union Mills, North Carolina. They felt that they had found the "perfect" place to live, raise animals, and farm, and all was well for several years. Getting to know Eileen, we discovered that she was passionate about her family, friends, the environment and animals. Her love for all of these things taught and challenged us to be passionate too!

In June 1995, Eileen read a notice in The Daily Courier stating that a chip mill was going to be built in our rural community of Union Mills. Had it not been for Eileen's awareness and quick action, The Concerned Citizens of Rutherford County (CCRC) would never have formed.

Through the years, Eileen not only played an important role in CCRC, but she also worked on and supported projects for animals and their rights. Her involvement in the Rutherford County Animal Protection Alliance and volunteer efforts at the Rutherford County Animal Shelter contributed to the success and adoption of many unwanted animals-puppies, kitties, cats, and dogs.

However, Eileen also fought her own battles and dealt with cancer 7 times in her nearly 70 years of life. Through these battles, she was always teaching us to value life, laugh, tease, and brighten each other's day. Her strong words of encouragement, insight, and humor will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Eileen will always be a part of all of us who were blessed to have known her and had her as a friend.

The following quotations are just a very small sampling of how Eileen touched so many people's lives-locally and throughout the country.

…How nice for Eileen that she had so
many friends care for her. May we all be so fortunate, because that will
mean we have lived lives worth living.
Dr. Conner Bailey-Auburn, Alabama

Auburn University

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in such a difficult time.
Eileen was a true fighter for all of the right things, and will be
sorely missed by all.
Thomas Linzey, Esquire-Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund

This is only proof that sometimes sickness takes the sweetest and most
precious of the planet.
Kim Sherrill-Chimney Rock, North Carolina

Featherheads

……She has been a friend to many as well as a kind servant to our earth. Thank God for the gifts of wonderful thoughts and memories that we can sometimes sit and play over and over again.
Butch Moore--Forest City, North Carolina

Chase Flat Rock Citizens Group

I am deeply saddened to learn of Eileen's passing. Within me, she will
forever be that highly energetic, positive, happy person that was such a
wonderful spark that always got things going, and a true joy to be
around. Eileen was a hard fighter for a better world for all of us.

She will be greatly missed.
Norma Ivey-Asheville, North Carolina

Western North Carolina Alliance

In Honor and Memory of Eileen Conti

Memorials may be made to

The Eileen Conti Environmental Scholarship Fund

at Isothermal Community College

PO Box 623

Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139-0623