WORCESTER___Eileen (O’Connor) Lush, 84, a lifelong resident of Grafton Hill, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family at UMass Memorial University Medical Center after a brief period of declining health.
Eileen was born in Worcester, Massachusetts to Thomas and Marion O’Connor. She leaves two sisters, Mary Army and Kathleen (Kay) Gagliastro of Worcester, a brother, Thomas O’Connor of Seattle, Washington and was predeceased by her husband, Donald “Bud” Lush in 2007. She was Auntie Eileen to many nieces and nephews, as well as to generations of grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.
Eileen graduated from St. Stephen High School and worked for many years as an Accounts Receivable Supervisor at Small Business Service Bureau, Inc. in Worcester.
She loved animals and was known for feeding the neighborhood cats, and any other critters that happened along, on the front and back porches of her home. She enjoyed thrifting and bargain hunting, sharing her finds with those in need.
Eileen was known for her bright red lipstick, sparkly rhinestone brooches, extra strong bear hugs and for making the best Thanksgiving gravy. She had a spontaneous spirit, whether she was breaking into outrageous dance moves or getting married on her lunch break without telling anyone beforehand. What she lacked in stature, she more than made up for in personality.
She will be fondly missed for her sassy charm, her witty comebacks and her giant heart.
Eileen’s family would like to thank the team at UMass 6 ICU for their loving care and support in her final days.
Eileen’s calling hour will be held in St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton Street on Thursday October 16, 2025 from 10:30 to11:30 AM with Eileen's funeral Mass following at 11:30 AM. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eileen’s name can be made to St. Stephen Church, 357 Grafton St, Worcester, MA 01604 or Urban Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope Center, 242 Canterbury St, Worcester, MA 01603