Eileen Joyce Herbert

Eileen Joyce (Bleiler) Herbert, of Smithboro, New York, affectionately known as “Nean” passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, at the Elderwood Nursing Home in Waverly, NY. Born on September 29, 1948, Eileen's life was a testament to the power of kindness, love, and friendship. Eileen was a proud graduate of Tioga Central High School, Class of 1966. Her professional life was characterized by her role as a dedicated Deputy Family Court Clerk for Tioga County, where her work ethic and compassion touched the lives of many. A woman of faith, Eileen was an active member of the Smithboro United Methodist Church and lived her Christian beliefs through acts of service and kindness. Her engagement with the community also included meaningful involvement with the Nichols Lions Club. Eileen and her husband Jim shared a passion for playing board games, with Carbles being a favorite pastime. Together, they reveled in the joys of travel, creating lasting memories during their trips to Florida, where Eileen's youthful spirit shone brightly as she water-skied with skill and grace. Their 13 winters spent in Florida were a testament to their love for adventure and each other. A connoisseur of holiday traditions, Eileen's homemade fudge and peanut brittle were anticipated treats that delighted family and friends each year. Her culinary talents were just one of the many ways she expressed her love and care.

Her love story with her devoted husband, James A. Herbert, spanned more than five decades, marked by mutual respect and unwavering support. Together, they raised a family that became the cornerstone of Eileen's world. Her daughter and son-in-law, Janean and Roger Cook, blessed her with the joy of her life, her very special grandson Reed A. Cook, who brought immeasurable happiness to her days. Eileen's warmth extended beyond her immediate family to her sister-in-law, Sue Dunning, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her ability to create and nurture lasting friendships was evident in her enduring bonds with many special friends, including Ken and Judy Nichols;  Jim and Marcia Pierson. These relationships were built on a foundation of shared memories and mutual respect, highlighting Eileen's friendly and loving nature. Though she was preceded in death by her parents, Laverne A. and Virginia (Best) Bleiler, and her sisters, Sandra Bleiler and Shirley Moore, Eileen's legacy of kindness and the memories she created with those she loved will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. In the words of the great poet Emily Dickinson, "Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." Eileen's life was a living example of these words, as her love for her family and friends was the essence of her being. She will be remembered for her radiant smile, her gentle kindness, and her ability to connect with others in a deep and meaningful way.

Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Thursday, July 31st from 11 – 1 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols. A funeral service will follow at 1 pm. Eileen will be laid to rest in the Smithboro Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Nichols Tioga Lions Club, c/o Julie Wendela, 2880 State Route 17 C, Barton, NY 13734 or the Smithboro United Methodist Church, PO Box 37, Nichols, NY 13812.

As we bid farewell to Eileen, we celebrate a life well-lived, a journey marked by genuine friendships, unwavering love, and the kind of kindness that leaves an indelible mark on the world. Eileen Joyce (Bleiler) Herbert's story is one of love's enduring power, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.