Thursday, August 15, 2019
To Eileen’s very special family,
Frank and I were both very saddened to hear of Eileen’s passing. He has so many memories of growing up with Eileen and Steve. He credits Eileen with helping him pass the early elementary grades. I guess even then she was a teacher at heart. He tells me that she was always there for him. She was also smart, cheerful and full of fun, traits that she had throughout her life.
I joined that family in 1981 and Eileen and John were among the first to make me feel welcome and at home. Eileen even had a wonderful dinner for the whole Gallivan gang (despite saying that she never cooked!) It was a beautiful dinner and we all had a wonderful time. Frank and I were both so grateful for her making sure that our wedding was celebrated with a full cast of family members.
We would often see Eileen and John in the summer when we came home from Europe. She always had wonderful stories about her class and she was so lovely, lively and fun that there was no question that the children in her class adored her. Eileen also updated us during these times with her children’s many activities. She was so proud of each of you and never tired of hearing about and sharing your young adventures. Later, she loved to talk about her grandchildren and they were like the kids from Lake Woebegone…way above average!
Once when we talked she gave us a copy of the poem Desiderate and said it perfectly summed up her philosophy. And what a wonderful philosophy and way of life that was! Eileen filled all who knew her with her generous and caring spirit and with love, acceptance and warmth.
We know that you all will miss your mother so very much, but we know each of you carries with you her beautiful spirit.
With love and sympathy,
Carie and Frank
