Eileen Rzecinski:
CLASS OF 1959
St. Mary's SchoolClass of 1959
Denville, NJ
County College of MorrisClass of 1975
Randolph, NJ
Morris Hills Regional High SchoolClass of 1963
Rockaway, NJ
Visitation SchoolClass of 1959
Bronx, NY
Denville Main Street ElementryClass of 1959
Denville, NJ
Eileen's Story
Life & Death I don't wish chronic pain and illness even on my sister and you all know how much we hate each other! You have to take the good with the bad and recently my health decided it wanted to tank. I wasn't prepared for this and it took a lot of effort and the kindness of friends for me to see I'm a survivor! Tom Holtackers and Joe Beneshan what would I do without you! Denville NJ taught you well. Almost all the signs are now here and I look forward to seeing my only grandchild Gabriel. I know Jim and Bob are going to do an awesome job on the reunion. Not many of us know ahead of time, so we can say goodbye to all our friends and make our path straight.
I've been fortunate to meet Hopalong Cassidy, Jackie Kennedy (okay so the secret service threw me out of that horse show)! See what happens when you are the first female sports reporter for the Daily Record back in the 60's? Because of a tragic cruise experience, we befriended the Prime Minister of St. Kitts, Dr. Denzel Douglas and St. Kitts gave us a free week on the island! What a life!
The Oak Ridge Boys say you know you've succeeded when you make a difference in somebody's life. I made a difference! I am a Secret Santa and have been for the past ten years. When I learn of a family in need I gather my elves and we provide a Christmas for families that would otherwise go without. It warms my heart and makes me proud I made a difference.
I grew up at 21 Front Street, a two bedroom house never meant for four children, on the wrong side of the tracks. Life has been an uphill battle, beginning with my failing high school and graduating August, 1963. Today I'm in the battle of all battles, fighting MS and FMS the 'dragon within.' Although I began school as an honor student, I failed miserably in my senior year. Alcoholism and Abuse were "secrets" back then. Imagine how far we have come.
My dad once said I could do anything I set my mind to. Because we had a dysfunctional relationship, I didn't take it to heart until years later. I've been known as a "junk yard dog" ever since. Once I set my mind to it, I don't give up. The most rewarding part of my life was working with the NJ State Marine Police. 'My guys' as I affectionately refer to them knew I was covering their backs.
I wrote a book on houseboating, contributed to several specialty national magazines and put all the experience on the Hilltopper to good use. Writing has always been my escape. In 2000 I was named "Houseboater...Expand for more
of the Year" by Houseboat Magazine. I was the first female sports reporter for the Morristown Daily Record before it was "cool" to be a female in a man's world. I started the NJ Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and eventually become one of two women presidents of the organization in the country.
Unlike me, my daughter never had to deal with a dysfunctional family situation, and for this I am very proud. She grew up to be a caring teacher and wife. Unfortunately, she lost her only child and cannot have any others.
We have enjoyed yearly family vacations throughout the country. A vacation during my childhood was something to be seen on TV.
My husband and I cruised Bermuda, the Western Caribbean and up to Canada and Alaska. We sailed on the Queen Mary II for Thanksgiving several years ago and a two week cruise to Hawaii -- our dream!
In 2001 we moved from NJ to PA. We have a 4 bedroom ranch on 1/2 acre, something in my wildest dreams I never would have imagined. Not only that, but I've discovered I do have something to offer to others - I'm a good listener, can make people laugh, and take pride in my work as a 'Secret Santa' to those less fortunate, etc.
I am now working with State Senators and House Members as a lobbiest for MS, FMS and CFIDS awareness. I have also served as a Director of 'Our World', the non-profit organization for FMS and CFIDS.
Although I still consider myself quiet and shy I learned how to be heard and hear others.
Anyone can be a success. It takes determination and the knowledge that it doesn't matter where you came from, but how hard you are willing to work to achieve your dream! I always wanted to make a difference in the world. I am extremely proud of my achievements, including service as a Director and past Chairman of SMCMUA (the water authority) in Morristown, NJ!
My life today is completely different than my adolesence. I am a leader in my community and an example for others with disabilities that anything can be overcome if you put your mind to it!
We are very active within the Arts community (okay so I never was in the band, but our daughter was a music major) and can count professional entertainers in our circle of friends. This is the life I dreamed of as a child, going to the theatre, owning formal wear, etc.
My favorite uncle once told me he was proud of who I had become and it made every struggle worthwhile.
I am currently a member of the Reunion Committee for St. Mary's class of 59.
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