Garnett remembered as community activist

Funeral services for Eileen Garnett will be held Thursday June 2, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church, 2700 19th St. S., Arlington.

Those attending are encouraged to wear happy colors, “as this was mom’s wish,” says her daughter, Megan Garnett. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed here.

Garnett died May 25 after being struck by a distracted driver May 20 during an inspection tour of Annandale with county and VDOT officials.

A native of Kansas City, Mo., Eileen moved to Annandale in 1971, after helping establish the National Catholic Reporter and living in Kenya, states an online obituary.

Related story: Eileen Garnett dies from injuries in crash

In Annandale, “Eileen immersed herself in family responsibilities and community activism,” the obit states. “She took every opportunity to help others, devoting countless hours to farmers’ markets, library book sales, neighborhood watch, election polling centers, meals on wheels, clothing drives, and food pantries.” She also volunteered in the schools, served as PTA president, and was an active member of the Broyhill Crest Community Association.

“Eileen’s passion, however, was beautifying and revitalizing downtown Annandale,” the obit continues. She was a founding member of the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee and served as chair of the group’s Annandale Beautification and Code Compliance committees. One of her notable achievements was creating Toll House Park as the focal point of Annandale’s commercial district.

Eileen received several honors for her exceptional volunteerism and impact. These awards included Lady Fairfax honoree (1986, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors), Citizen of the Year (1991, 1998, 2002, Annandale Chamber of Commerce), and Community Champion (2007, Volunteer Fairfax).

Eileen is survived by her husband, Stan; children Brian, Megan, and Matt; and four grandchildren.