Eileen F. Starr

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University of Miami

Eileen Starr Obituary

Eileen F. Starr passed away on March 15, 2011. She was born February 5, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. Her husband, M. Lee Starr passed in 1999. They had been married for 53 years. She is survived by her daughters, Marianne and Lisa and son-in-law, Kevin Burns. Eileen was a philanthropist and teacher with TUSD. Eileen and Lee were recently awarded the joint Ray Davies Lifetime Humanitarian Achievement Award from the Education Enrichment Foundation. She also served as a board member on the Educational Enrichment Foundation. Having survived two bouts with cancer, Eileen was a volunteer at the chemotherapy lab at the Cancer Center. The last 15 years of her teaching career were in TUSD's GATE (gifted and talented) sixth grade program. Eileen volunteered with many organizations. She was a graduate of the University of Miami, where she met Lee. After graduation, they came to Tucson. When they first arrived in Tucson, Eileen started teaching and Lee worked for Eileen's aunt in a women's dress shoe store. Lee thought he would like to teach too, so he went back to school with the help of the G.I. Bill while she worked. The Starr's loved traveling and often combined cruises with their other love, the theater. Services are to be held at EVERGREEN MORTUARY at the gravesite on Thursday, March 17, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Starr-Kagan Scholarship Fund c/o TUSD Finance Dept, PO Box 40400, Tucson, AZ 85717 or to the Educational Enrichment Foundation, 3809 E. Third St., Tucson, AZ 85716.

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Published by Arizona Daily Star on Mar. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Eileen Starr

12 Entries

Doug Wild

May 15, 2021

Mrs Starr was such an influence in my life. She was my 6th grade teacher back in 1977. I was fortunate enough to get back in contact with her mid 80s for a short time. I was truly blessed to have had her in my life.

Diane Weintraub

March 10, 2021

Eileen was very influential in getting our daughter in the gifted program. We enjoyed many conversations together. Diane Weintraub

Barry Ames

August 7, 2011

I just found out today that Eileen died. I knew the Starrs when Lee was my counselor over 50 years ago, and I only met Eileen once. They were people who cared about kids enormously. The encouragement I got from Lee,way back in the fifties, got me started on an academic career. This couple was the personification of "givers" rather than "takers."

barry ames

Steve and Karen Kornman

June 12, 2011

After just learning about Eileen's passing, today, we are very saddened. Both Lee and Eileen gave so much of themselves to children in need and they shall both be remembered for their generousity and goodness.

Lee and Eileen were made for each other and I know Eileen was heartbroken when Lee passed. Wonderful people who now are together again after giving to those who were fortunate enough to have known them.

Steve and Karen Kornman

Ruby Williams

June 8, 2011

Dear Marianne,

My beloved Mr. and Mrs. Starr were truely loved by me and my family. Mrs. Starr was the anchor to all of her children she allowed us to design our lives as long as we do well to promote positive healthy lives. Dr Lee Starr was the love of her life. A great mother and dad you all have. Dr. Starr made sure I graduated, I will honor your parents all my life. Love Ruby (Anderson while at THS with your dad) Williams 520 884-0809, if you need me.

Valerie Levitz

March 25, 2011

Dear Marianne,
Wanted to convey my sympathy on the loss of your mother. Please contact me if you need anything.

Frank Frana III

March 21, 2011

Dear Marianne and Lisa, Please accept my sincere sympathy on the passing of your mom.

Tim Murphy

March 18, 2011

I am so sorry to learn of Mrs Starr's passing. She was my all time absolute favorite teacher in 1974 and we continued our friendship to this day. She taught me so much, but most importantly, she taught me how to value and love every day with the people who mean the most to you. Her devotion to her husband was beyond words and she would always remind you to tell your family that you loved them. She was an extraordinary woman and I will miss her sweet, caring nature. What a loss for her family and for those of us that she called her friends. My deepest sympathy. Tim Murphy

March 16, 2011

Mrs. Starr had boundless energy and dedication and will be greatly missed.Thank you to the Starr family for your generous support of the students of our community. Your generous support of TAPP and other student programs will have a long legacy. Adelita Grijalva-Tucson, AZ

Diane Weintraub

March 16, 2011

Eileen was very instrumental in our daughter's entrance into the gifted high school program. For many years after Arlene's graduation, we would send her articles from Business Week which Arlene wrote. Eileen was a special lady and she will be missed by many. Love,Diane Weintraub

March 16, 2011

Thank you Mrs. Starr for the myriad gifts to the TeenAge Parent Program at the Starr Center. Your generosity over the years made many dreams come true for the students.
Alison Tibbals
The Parent Connection

Georgia Brousseau

March 16, 2011

A truly great lady of education has gone to her reward. She did marvelous things for many children in many ways. The Starrs truly left their mark on TUSD.

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