BLACK RIVER, N.Y. — Eileen I. Perkins, 79, of 119 W. Remington St., passed Tuesday, May 20, at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown, surrounded by family and friends. Born Jan. 25, 1935 in Black River, a daughter of John and Marion Foley McLean, she graduated in 1953 from Black River High School. She married Sherry W. Perkins, of Carthage, on June 13, 1953, at St. Paul's Catholic Church. The couple moved to Victorville, Caif., where her husband was stationed in the US Air Force .They returned to Northern New York in 1955 settling in Black River where they made their home and raised their family. She was employeed at the US Post Office in Black River for fifteen years. Upon her retirement Eileen worked for McLean Electric in Black River, a business founded by her father. In 1978 McLean Electric became a Women Owned Business Enterprise when Eileen became the owner and manager. She and her husband operated the business up until their retirement in 1994. Mrs. Perkins was a lifetime member and former president for the Black River Fire Department Auxiliary, former president of the Black River American Legion Auxiliary and past member of the St. Paul's Church Altar & Rosary Society. Eileen cofounded the Black River High School Kamargo Association and was a communicant of St. Paul's Catholic Church. She was an avid bowler, enjoyed gardening, crafts, traveling, entertaining and spending time with her family and friends. In June of 2013 she and her husband celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary. Among her survivors are her loving husband and best friend Sherry W. Perkins, Black River; two daughters, Debbie L. Canale, Jacksonville, Fla., and Donna P. Stella, Lake Bonaparte; four grandchildren, Richard Canale, Andrea Phillips and her husband, Ricky Phillips, Margo Stella and Patrick Stella and his fiancée, Kelly Lima; three great grandchildren, Jackson, Braden and Addison Phillips; as well as several nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be 10 a.m. to noon Friday, May 23 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, Black River, followed by a funeral mass at noon. Burial will be in Black River Cemetery followed by a reception hosted by the family will follow at the American Legion Post 673 Black River. Arrangements are with Bruce Funeral Home, Black River. Donations may be made to the Black River Ambulance Squad, 121 LeRay St., Black River, NY 13612. Online condolences may be made at www.brucefh.com.