Eileen Connors, wife of Communicators Hall of Famer Jerry Connors and office manager for Hall of Famer Max C. Hempt at Hempt Farms, passed away on January 13 from the inevitable lingering complications of dementia. She was 74.
Eileen first saw harness racing when her mother Mary Jane took her and her brother David to their hometown York (PA) County Fair (both predeceased her, as did her father, World War II veteran Richard Gay).
After graduating from York Suburban High School (where she played flute in the school band), Eileen worked primarily in retail in the York-Harrisburg area and then took a job at Harrisburg’s Telegraph Press, printer of Harness Horse magazine and other industry publications, where she worked for Hall of Famers Bowman Brown and Les Ford. She was then recommended to Hempt at Hempt Farms, “home of the Keystones,” where her knowledge of the farm’s horses and the industry, combined with her inherent intelligence, helpfulness and kindness, helped keep the farm running efficiently under the leadership of Hall of Famer Hempt.
Her last job combined many of the same qualities: in administration, mainly as a telephone operator, for the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, part of the PA Department of Agriculture and located across the street from her husband when he worked for the State Harness Racing Commission. Eileen specialized in finding the right information and conveying it quickly and clearly to a customer or colleague.
Eileen was an unofficial member of the Chamber of Commerce of Las Vegas, her favorite city; she had traveled a lot. She enjoyed antiques, flea markets (a trait she inherited from her parents), and police procedurals, both in print and video. Eileen also enjoyed all things Disney, marveling at Champion Miki and Minnie’s amazing season.
Eileen has no blood survivors. She will be missed by her husband, his family and the many friends who enjoyed her laughter and perspective.
Her sister-in-law Theresa Connors, an anatomy teacher at Drexel University in Philadelphia, persuaded Eileen to donate her body to science so that even after her death she will give to the world and help instruct the doctors of tomorrow.
There will be no memorial service. Those who wish to honor her memory may donate to Capitol Rehabilitation, 4100 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg PA 17112, the nursing home where Eileen spent her more than two years and where she spread much joy into the lives of her fellow residents. At her instruction, please include a note so that Capitol can use a donation to recruit more staff on weekends, especially people who want to talk to residents in addition to their medical treatment.
The photo on the latest cover of Harness Horse magazine, of racing at the Holly Hurst Training Center (PA), was taken by Eileen Connors.
The cover had one word on it: “Adios.”
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