Mary Eileen Mehan Christian

Eileen Christian, 91 of Glenburn Township, died Thursday afternoon, October 15th, 2026 at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, Dunmore, PA after a brief illness. She was the widow of William Christian, who died in 2011. She is also survived by her beloved companion and childhood friend, Frank Roche, 92 of Scranton, PA.

Born in Scranton, she was the daughter of the late Dr. Joseph and Margaret Mullen Mehan. Prior to retirement as office manager from her son Drew's law offices in June 2026, she was co-owner of AA Printery in Clarks Summit, PA, Abington Advertising, and a cherished elementary school teacher. She was a member of Our Lady of Snows Parish of Clarks Summit, PA.

Surviving are: daughter Susan McWilliams, Lansdowne, PA and her children, Eric Harrison and his wife Nichole Smith and their two children, Kingston and Jackson. and daughter Magdalene Harrison and her two children, Maximilian and Bellamy Belitza; son William J. Christian and his wife Paige of Indian Rocks Beach FL and their two children, Jeffrey and Kelly; Laura Heller and her husband, Donald Heller, Newton, PA and stepchildren Rachel Barrett and Benjamin Heller; son, Drew Christian and his wife Erika DeWilde and their two children, Cole and Liam, Waverly, PA

She was preceded in death by an infant son, William Vincent Christian in 1959 and a sister, Ann Jones in 2024.

Her education included Marywood Seminary, Marywood College, and she held a Master’s degree from the University of Scranton, where she was a frequent guest lecturer.

Eileen dedicated her life to community service and acts of kindness. She supported Bill in their businesses and had fun on and off stage while entertaining the community in the Abington Players and Actor's Circle. Between Eileen, Bill, sons Bill and Drew and granddaughter Kelly they had more than 60 years combined service in Rotary International. She started various organizations such as the Abington Business and Professional Association, The Pennsylvania Asthma and Allergy Foundation, several Free Pocket Libraries and more. Eileen and Bill organized the 75th Annual Celebration of Clarks Summit by starting fireworks which is now the Abington Community Fourth of July Fireworks display. Unbeknownst to many, she was also a founder of the South Abington Park and Farmer's market.

Over the last several years she brought cookies to nurses or to the lab or to anyone she thought might need a little extra treat. She was so grateful for the extra 20 plus years she was able to enjoy due to receiving son Bill's kidney, "Sydney." She showed her gratitude by doing daily acts of kindness, always striving to get in five a day even on her more difficult days. Her published cookbooks, family history books and poems continue to be cherished by many. Eileen always had a song in her heart and loved playing the piano as well as creating stories and acting them out.

Her joie d vivre will be sorely missed. She was beloved and respected by all who met her.

One of Eileen’s greatest joys in her later years was the unexpected gift of love she shared with Frank Roche, a friend from her elementary school days. Frank affectionately described Eileen as a "team of horses,” in truth, she was more like a team of Clydesdales, always pulling for the best in everyone.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Gregory’s Church in Clarks Green at 11 am on October 31, with family visitation in the church lobby from 9-11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be sent to St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, 500 Penn Ave Scranton, PA 18509.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc., Clarks Summit.