Eileen Ruth Stern, age 91, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at the Village at Penn State in State College, PA. Eileen was born in Connellsville, PA, and grew up in California, PA, the daughter of Frank and Roselyn Kotler. She had one brother, Gerald, who is deceased and survived by his wife, Marian.
Eileen married Daniel Stern on August 24, 1952 in Pittsburgh, PA; and for seventy-three years, they remained devoted to one another. From the beginning of their marriage, knowing that there would be times of disagreement, they made a vow that they would never go to bed angry with one another. They kept that vow throughout their marriage. Dan continues to live at the Village at Penn State.
Eileen had four children, Jeff Stern (Dena), Rhonda Stern (Nelson Hite), Deborah Stern, and Caren Duford (Keith). She had four grandchildren: Samantha (Joshua), Skyler (Sabrina), Nathan (Samantha), Josh (Stephanie), and six great-grandchildren (Dylan, Avi, Avery, Leah, Adira, and Oliver). Eileen had numerous nieces and nephews who loved her and appreciated the hospitality she demonstrated during family holidays and get-togethers.
As a young mother of four, Eileen graciously cared for the wellness of her children, providing nutritious meals and driving them to multiple activities and appointments. She lovingly cared for a variety of family pets. She was also adventurous: traveling, skiing, swimming, and learning how to fly their Cessna plane as a backup if needed.
While still raising her children, she graduated with high honors from California State University in California, PA with dual bachelor degrees in Art and Literature. She taught art courses at the Art Alliance of Central PA. She was a sensitive and accomplished artist, creating soft but strong portraits, landscapes and still lifes using colored pencils, oil paints, and watercolors. At age 90, she had a showing of her artwork at the Village, and amazed those whose attended. Her creativity extended to her seemingly effortless culinary skills, as well as her love of music and ability to play classical piano.
Eileen will be missed – as a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, an aunt, a friend, and as a gentle, steady, quiet presence for those fortunate to have been in her life.
There will be a virtual memorial gathering for close friends and family to be announced at a later date.