Eileen Tavaglione

Eileen Kay (Swanson) Tavaglione, born December 17, 1944 in Auburn, New York, passed away from this life into her heavenly home on June 3, 2026 surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with cancer. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, generosity, and unwavering love for her family. In 1970, she married the love of her life, David Tavaglione. Together they shared more than three decades of marriage, building a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and a deep appreciation for God's creation until his passing in 2003.

Eileen earned a degree in Mathematics from The Ohio State University, and continued her education studying computer science, demonstrating the intelligence, determination, and work ethic that would characterize her throughout her life. She worked for many years alongside her husband at WVNET in Morgantown, West Virginia. While dedicated to her work, she was perhaps best known for the joy and fellowship she brought to those around her. Eileen delighted in planning celebrations, special events, and gatherings that strengthened relationships among coworkers and fostered a spirit of community. Her thoughtfulness, creativity, and enthusiasm lifted the morale of those around her and left a lasting impact on many colleagues and friends.

To those who knew her best, Eileen embodied the qualities of a Proverbs 31 woman. She excelled in the many roles she embraced throughout her life—as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and more recently great-grandmother, faithful church member, talented homemaker, and full-time working professional. She poured herself wholeheartedly into caring for her family, often sewing clothes and costumes for her children as they grew up, and filling her home with creativity and beauty through quilting, cross-stitch, and countless handmade treasures. Whatever task was before her, she approached it with diligence, excellence, and love.

Eileen was an avid reader and lifelong learner who enjoyed participating in book clubs and Bible studies throughout the years. She found joy in discussing stories, sharing ideas, and connecting with others through her love of books and her faith. She also cherished time spent birdwatching and had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. She and David shared that love from the very beginning of their marriage, spending their honeymoon on a camping trip and later creating countless family memories through camping adventures with their children. Their love of the outdoors eventually inspired them to build their dream log cabin in the woods. Working side-by-side with her husband, Eileen helped bring that dream to life, creating a home that reflected their shared values, determination, and love for God's creation.

A woman of deep faith, Eileen was a devoted member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Morgantown for decades. Though she never sought recognition, she faithfully served wherever she was needed. More often than not, she was the person working quietly behind the scenes—planning events, preparing meals, organizing details, decorating, and cleaning up long after others had gone home. She served not for praise but because serving others was simply part of who she was. Even while facing significant physical challenges, she remained more concerned about the needs of others than her own circumstances. Her servant's heart, humility, and steadfast faith were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Eileen believed in seeing the best in people. Her kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in others drew people to her. She gave freely of her time and resources to individuals, ministries, and charitable organizations throughout her life. Her neighbors adored her, her friends treasured her, and her many nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart. She loved each of them dearly and took great joy in being part of their lives.

One of Eileen's greatest gifts was hospitality. Some of her family's most treasured memories were made around her table. Holidays, celebrations, and ordinary afternoons alike became opportunities to gather, share stories, and enjoy one another's company. Her home was always beautifully and thoughtfully decorated for each season and holiday, making it a warm and welcoming place where family traditions flourished. Everyone was welcome at Eileen's table. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, valued, and loved, whether they were family, friends, neighbors, or someone she had only recently met.

Above all, Eileen's greatest joy was her family. She was an exceptionally loving mother who celebrated her children's accomplishments with genuine pride and unwavering support. She is survived by her daughters, Kristin Reynolds of Charleston, West Virginia; Holly Richards and her husband, David Michael Richards, of Bruceton Mills, West Virginia; Gina Pyle and her husband, Jim Pyle, of Connellsville, Pennsylvania; and her son, Timothy David Tavaglione and his wife, Beth Tavaglione, of White Oak, Pennsylvania. Her love extended just as deeply to her grandchildren: Alicia Tavaglione, who resided with her and shared a uniquely close bond, having been raised in her home; Autumn Tavaglione; Abbi Reynolds; Ethan Reynolds; Emma Reynolds; Katie Reynolds; Zeke Tavaglione; Zach Reynolds; Trenton Richards; Gianna Varto; and Gabe Tavaglione. She was additionally blessed with a great-granddaughter, Haisley Reynolds, who brought her much joy. Nothing made Eileen happier than spending time with her family and watching the generations she loved continue to grow.

Eileen is also survived by her loving siblings: Shirley Cashmere and her husband, Joe, of Pennsylvania; Diane Farr and her husband, Glenn, of Florida; and Don Swanson and his wife, Kanae, of New York.

A woman of noble character, Eileen lived a life marked by faith, kindness, and service to others. She leaves behind a legacy woven through generations of family, friends, neighbors, and fellow believers whose lives were enriched by her love. Though her earthly work is complete, the fruits of her labor and the example of her faith will endure.

In accordance to her wishes, a small memorial service will be held for close family and friends at a future date.

Well done, good and faithful servant…

Matthew 25:21