Remarks delivered by Brian Patrick Jensen at funeral services for sister, Eileen Jensen Rush on Saturday, September 13, 2015: Eulogy Eileen Jensen Rush June 5, 1963 – September 7, 2014 Good morning. First, on behalf of the Jensen and Rush families, especially her children Chelsea, Brittany and Erica, I want to thank everyone for the incredible outpouring of love and heartfelt condolences for my dear sister, Bean. And because of your devotion and beautiful tributes, we stand today—not just in sorrow—but in grace at this rare and precious moment when Eileen’s incredible spirit and courage and goodness captivates us as never before. Her birthright was Eileen Theresa Jensen—but we called her “Bean”. Some of you have asked, Eileen Theresa is such a beautiful name, why do you call your sister a bean?! Actually, catholic school tradition is to blame. When we were little kids, school uniform protocol required beanies (dorky caps) for girls. So she was, “Eileen-ie with the Beanie!” Somehow, that kiddy-coin morphed to “Bean” as our term of endearment. As far as nicknames go, it stood the test of time. She never introduced herself that way; nor did we. Eileen Theresa is the official. But since 2nd grade, I never called her anything else—and she will always be “Bean” to me. Despite the dorky beanie hats, St. Peters, Merchantville is very much a sacred part of our shared legacy. St. Pete’s is our parish and grade school; the house where we grew up—4808 Springfield Avenue—is just blocks away. We were baptized at St. Petes; we had our first Holy Communions, and Confirmations there too. Eileen and Bob were married here in 1990. Kathy was married here too. Eileen was maid of honor. And Bean cried with us and she prayed with us at my mom’s funeral and my dad’s funeral and our grand mom Conboy’s funeral—all at St. Peters. And so it is today with Bean—in just few minutes we will convene again to this familiar place to grieve with passion; to say goodbye; and to place Eileen Jensen Rush in the loving hands of God. The truth is we’re devastated. And it’s going take a while to heal. It is still so hard to believe that she is gone. But it’s okay right now to struggle with acceptance. It is okay to be upset about how much she suffered; and it’s okay to be deeply saddened that she was taken from us far too soon. These hardships are devastating and we must face them as they are. Bean’s untimely loss is our anguish; but her life and legacy is our inspiration to carry on. Of course, Bean’s greatest legacy is her pride and joys—Chelsea, Brittany and Erica Rush. All your Mom’s nagging paid off. You have truly blossomed to beautiful young women. I see your Mom in each of you, especially your mannerisms, humor, quick wit, strong opinions and stubbornness! Yes, my dear sister Bean, God love her, was a bit stubborn! Eileen Jensen Rush was far more than just a doting Mom. She was a dedicated, painfully hard working caretaker and consummate protector with boundless love and loyalty for the family she cherished. Bean was a gentle and giving soul. But she would kick your butt if you messed with her kids. And her determination to be there lovingly for family on all sides was uncompromising. During a particularly difficult hospital stay, she told me that raising you kids was the greatest privilege of her life. And that, no matter how sick she gets, all she really prays for in the end is the strength to go home. And now she is finally “home” in the arms of the Lord. There is a lot of talk in eulogies about being in a better place; pain-free and finally at peace, etc. These are comforting sentiments based on deep faith in God and Heaven. But I believe in angels here on earth. And I see miracles daily as together we trudge the road of happy destiny in this all-too-real world of ours. Bean was our Angel in life, not death. It is a matter of fact, not faith, that Eileen Jensen Rush made this world better place for all of us. Bean didn’t have just friends; she had lifelong confidants who were there for her right up to her very last breath. Jeanne and Bob Rush Sr. were not just her children’s grandparents. You loved Bean and Bean loved you as if she were your very own daughter—thank you so much for all the joy and comfort you gave her, especially in her last difficult days when she needed it most. Bean was not just a school psychologist; she was a beloved coworker and family advocate who spent her career dedicated to the special needs of countless children. Bean was not just a Phillies fan; she was a Phanatic. She was not just funny; she was hilarious. She did not just laugh; she howled with contagious joy. Bean was not just determined; she was brave. She did not just endure pain and hardship; she taught us courage and grace and forgiveness from her suffers. Bean was not just a sister; or a cousin; or aunt. She was our touchstone who implored us constantly to be good to one another and ourselves for the sake of family and love. My brother Mike implored me long ago that “Family is everything”. And our dear sister Bean lived that beautiful mantra every day, regardless of the hurdles or hardships. All these things are facts, not faith. Bean was our Angel in life, not death. Besides, angels never die. They just go home and carry on within us. Family is everything. Amen.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:10:37 +0000
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