Eileen Marie Coppola

On Thursday, May 25th, 2023, our loving mother, Eileen Marie Sheehan Coppola, was welcomed into the arms of our Heavenly Father. Words cannot express how dearly Eileen was treasured by her family and friends. Eileen was born December 18th, 1932 in East Boston MA, the fourth child of six, to John and Mary Sheehan. At a young age, Eileen developed an eye for fashion. With the means of a very large family, she learned how to sew and became a very talented seamstress. After taking the bus-and then the subway-into downtown Boston, Mom would window shop at Filene's and other popular department stores where she would find outfits she admired and then recreate them at home. Mom often loved to tell the story of the time she noticed the best friend of her sister, Joan, walking down the hallway at East Boston High wearing a blouse she made. Mom met the love of her life, Joseph Coppola, in Boston in 1950. Joseph would wait routinely at the bus stop next to the bakery where she worked, faithfully convincing her to go out on a date with him. Joe and Eileen married December 7th, 1951, celebrating an incredible 71 years together and a family of four children. By 1952, Dad convinced Mom to move to Visalia, CA, where his family was beginning to migrate. On July 21, 1952, a big earthquake shook California leaving Mom to pack her and Joe's bags and headed back to Boston. She believed the hurricanes were much more tolerable than earthquakes! Eventually she overcame her fears and they returned to Visalia with their two daughters, Rosemarie and Diane, and later the addition of their son, Joseph and daughter Janine. Our mom was dedicated to her church, her husband, and her family. Mom had the gift of serving as she was always tending to the needs of others. If anyone needed a delicious meal, clothing, or company, she was always there to deliver the best. Mom served selflessly without any expectations of recognition. Once her family had grown and left the nest, Mom dedicated the last 40 years to the Sons of Italy (SOI) and the past 15 years to the Kaweah Delta Hospital Guild. She delightfully served as an officer for many years with SOI and enjoyed volunteering at the gift shop in the hospital. Eileen leaves behind her children, Diane (Steve), Joseph, and Janine (Mark), and her loving grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, daughter, Rosemarie Coppola, granddaughter, Jessica Williams, Great-grandson, Joseph (Joey) Gober. Also, her parents, John and Mary Sheehan, sisters Patsy, Helen, Theresa, Joan, and brother John (Jackie). Viewing will be held 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM Friday, June 9th, 2023 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Prayer Service will follow from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Graveside services will be held 12:00 PM Friday, June 9th, 2023 at Visalia District Cemetery, 1300 W Goshen Ave, Visalia. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Eileen Marie Coppola

December 18, 1932 - May 25, 2023