Eileen Mary Mahfood peacefully passed away on July 29, 2026 at the age of 82. She was born on August 15, 1944 to Paul and Rosemary Cunningham. Growing up in South City, she attended St. Joan of Arc grade school and went on to graduate from Nerinx Hall High School. She married the love of her life, Jim Mahfood on October 10th, 1964. For more than 62 wonderful years, Eileen and Jim shared a remarkable marriage. Together they built a home filled with laughter, unwavering love, and countless cherished memories that will continue to inspire all who knew them.
Eileen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted and extraordinary mother to her four children and a proud, loving grandmother to seven grandchildren, each of whom was blessed by her endless encouragement, unconditional love, and warm embrace. She made every family gathering feel special and every person feel valued.
She was a welcoming host, always featuring delicious food, a touch of music and a warm atmosphere. She enjoyed kitchen dancing, spending time with her many girlfriends, reading a good book, encouraging creativity and art, making new recipes and chatting on the phone.
To know Eileen was to know joy. She had a gift for making people laugh, lifting spirits, and bringing people together. She was often the life of the party, filling every room with her smile, quick wit, and genuine warmth. Her laughter was contagious, and her presence made every celebration brighter.
Eileen was a nurturing soul with extraordinary kindness. She was always there to listen with compassion, offer a comforting word, while making people feel loved and important.
Eileen’s legacy is one of love, laughter, kindness, and grace. She taught those around her the importance of caring deeply for others, celebrating life’s moments, and finding joy even in the simplest things. Though we will miss her deeply, the love she shared and the lives she touched will remain with us forever.
May we honor Eileen by living as she did—with an open heart, a kind word, a generous smile, and a joyful spirit.
Beloved wife of Jim Mahfood. Dear mother of Jennifer (Thomas) Kraus, James Mahfood, John (Margaret) Mahfood and Daniel Mahfood. Dear grandmother of Thomas (Jenna) Kraus, Katherine Kraus, Luke Mooney, Maggie Kraus, Leo Mahfood, Eleanor Mahfood and Johnny Mahfood. Dear sister of Patrick (Barbara) Cunningham and the late Carrol (August) Baechle and Jane (Richard) Roach. Our dear aunt, cousin and friend to many.
SERVICES: A memorial mass will be celebrated at Assumption Catholic Church (4725 Mattis Road St. Louis, Missouri 63128) on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital appreciated.
You described her beautifully. What a joy she brought to everyone she met. A friend I will always cherish. May you rest in peace Eileen. My deepest sympathies to Jim, and all her children and grandchildren.
Barb Huelsing
Eileen was beautiful inside & out & always had a smile & kind words to everyone. May she now rest in peace & payers for the family.🙏❤️
She was my neighbor for 25 years. She was kind, funny and a joy to be around. My wife and I will miss her very much.
Such a beautiful lady. I am so sorry for your loss Jenn and Family.. Hugs to you guys.
Dear Jim and family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of Eileen. All the memories of her and the entire family have flooded my thoughts since I found out she passed away yesterday!! Her kindness, laughter, commitment to family were just a few things that came to mind!! Her family was her life!! She had a way of making you think you were the only thing that matters, if you needed something or were simply having a conversation about nothing!! What a wonderful person she was to everyone who had the privilege to be a part of her life!! With our love to all of the Mahfood family!! Joe and Jayne Wolf
Yes. You described Eileen perfectly!
She was a friend of my older sister, Nancy, and she was so good to us! Loved Eileen’s sense of humor.
My heart is so sad, however I know she is at peace.
We had so much laughter together, all the memories are flowing through my mind right now from the time our children were born till they got married and beyond. I can’t tell you the laughter plus all the crazy things we did together no one would ever believe what fun and love we shared .
I miss her so!
Knew Eileen a long time, always a happy person. Remembering many good times. In my prayers.
This was a beautiful description of Eileen. Our families would get together and she always had a smile on her face and I will forever remember her greeting us with “Hi Honey” and a hug. She was a gift to so many and will always be in our hearts.
Eileen meant so much to so many people including our family. I’m pretty sure she never met a stranger. She was so easy to talk to about anything, serious or silly. She had the best sense of humor along with such a loving heart. She has left a hole in our hearts that will not ever be filled. She was one of a kind. We loved her. May she rest in peace knowing that her wonderful family have and will go on to follow her example. We are so sorry for your loss and pain.
Love, Mike and Vicky Craven
Dear Jim and family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss of Eileen. What a beautiful tribute written that honors her perfectly! Her smile, her joyful spirit and commitment to her family and friends will be remembered as a lasting gift! I loved that you added this! ——“ May we honor Eileen by living as she did—with an open heart, a kind word, a generous smile, and a joyful spirit.” May she rest in peace.
Jeanie and the Longo family