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Eileen Davenport Obituary

Of Dedham, November 19, 2002. Beloved wife of John F. Davenport. Loving mother of Kathleen and John F. III both of Dedham, and Denise of Barnstead, NH. Cherished grandmother of Rachelle of Dedham, and Hannah of Scituate. Devoted sister of the late Marie P. McCarthy and Merrit Schneider. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Holden-Dunnirvine-Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock St., WESTWOOD, on Saturday, Nov. 23rd at 8 a.m. Funeral Mass in St. Denis Church at 9 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited. Visiting hours Friday 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Interment Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. Donations may be made in Eileen's memory to St. Jude's Shrine, 600 Pleasant Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Late Secretary for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Education for over 20 years. Holden-Dunnirvine-Lawler 781-326-0074

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Published by Boston Globe from Nov. 21 to Nov. 22, 2002.

Memories and Condolences
for Eileen Davenport

Sponsored by Eileen's devoted and loving family.

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Denise Davenport

October 27, 2013

I miss you mom. I wish you were here. We could all use your wisdom & guidance.

I love you & miss you! Everyday!

Love, Denise

February 13, 2012

I Love you Mom. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss you. Kath

May 26, 2011

Mom,

Wish you were here. I keep waiting for it to get easier, but it doesn't. I thought time would ease the pain.

I love you.
K

November 19, 2010

Mom -

I love and miss you everyday. Its been eight years without you. Sometimes it feels like yesterday and other times it feels like eternity. I wish I could see your face or hear your voice just one more time.

xo xo xo
Kath

January 15, 2010

Mom - What I wouldn't give to have you here just one more day. I miss you so much. Love, Kath

November 17, 2009

Hi Mom - I can't believe another year has passed. It just doesn't seem real. Your 7th anniversary is just two days away. How can that be? I wish you were here...even for just one more day. I have so much to tell you, so much to ask you. What I wouldn't give for just one more day with you. Please keep watch over us all. I love you Mom. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. Kath xo xo xo

June 29, 2009

Hey Mom - Just wanted to tell you I miss you more and more everyday. I thought it would get easier but it seems with every passing day it becomes more unbearable. I wish you were here.

I wish you could meet Jenna. Dee, me and Dad definitely see a lot of you in her. She doesn't miss a trick and she is very, very, very smart!! Actually I think Jenna is combination of you and Dee. She is smart, cute and is the funniest little person I have ever met!! (She'll also give you the once over and frown if she doesn't approve of you. She is a good judge of character.)

Keep an eye on everyone Mom. We sure could use it.

Love, Kath xo xo xo

March 19, 2009

Hi Mom -

I just wanted to tell you that you were RIGHT (as usual). I should have listened to you. I am just now finally able to see exactly what you were talking about.

I miss you everyday!

Love, Kath

pat ross

November 19, 2008

Well good friend it is now six years and I still think of you and all the stuff we went through and still became good friends. How about when you told me to save my money and I was so distracted I said ok $5.00 a month, and you said real money not change!!!! so I upped the anty on your good advice and now look where I am the market tanking BUT I am still encouraged by your habits Your friendship kindness and thoughtfulness has been a little person on my shoulder for many years working and now that I am on my own, I often talk about you to my daughters and say, "Eileen said" or would do and "told me" such good advice and how to be a good friend.
miss you much dear friend.
Pat Mingolelli Ross

November 19, 2008

Hey Mom - Today is your anniversary (11/19). I can't believe 6 years have passed without you being here. It just doesn't seem possible. So much has happened.

Shell has really grown up. She is a good kid with lots of heart. She is such a hard worker and such a beautfiul rider! She is still following her dream. You would be proud of her.

Oh, and I wish you were here to meet Jenna. You would love her so much. I can't believe she was born on yours and Dad's wedding anniversary. Coincidence or is this your way of letting us know you are still around watching over things? You would love Jenna's room. Dee and I can't get over it. It is like you decorated it yourself. It is so classy. Everything in there is exactly what you would have picked for her. It truly felt like you were with us, guiding us, as we put it all together. It is so beautiful, just like Jenna.

Dee is an excellent mom. She loves her little peanut so much. It is amazing to me how naturally motherhood came to her... from the very minute Jenna was born. Jenna is just so beautiful and funny and in so many ways she reminds us of you (although sometimes she looks a lot like Jackie).

Speaking of Jake, well, Jake is still Jake. He is still such a good looking guy but he really does beat to his own drum.

Dad is hanging in there. He has had a tough year but he seems to be on the mend. He misses you very much. It breaks my heart every time he gets all broken up over you being gone. He still is taking it very hard.

I keep in touch with Julie and Pat. They definitely are your true friends. They always keep you in their prayers and they always share their fond memories of you. I am so thankful to have them both in my life. Sometimes when I talk to them... well... its like you're still here.

Please keep an eye on everyone. There are days when I could really use your help.

I miss you Mom. Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and miss you.

Love, Kath

August 22, 2007

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007

August 1, 2007

Hey Mom - Just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and wondering what you think of the latest turn of events. I hope and pray it all continues to work out. We all miss you. Love, Kath

denise davenport

December 22, 2005

I Miss You Everyday!!!!

Love, Denise

Janet Mosler

February 5, 2003

I have known Eileen since her and I met at the Kushi Institute in Brookline, MA. Her two daughters were with her. Eileen was the most caring and loving person I knew. She was sick herself, but was always worrying about others and helping others. We have corresponded these last few years and she never lost her faith or spirit. The week I spent with her and her two daughters was one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life. I will miss Eileen and her postive caring attitude. I will miss never being able to visit with her about everything. It is a loss to us, but she is at peace with God now. My heart and prayers go out to the family.

Glenola Mitchell

November 26, 2002

To Eileen's family and relatives,



I feel an extreme loss of a wonderful and caring friend. There are not many whom I would place in this category. When I arrived at DOE on November 27, 1997, I was greeted by Eileen. She embraced me and guided me through the necessary steps to help me get started without difficulty. Eileen made sure that I was able to obtain monthly parking. She always worried about my staying late, because I usually would stay until sometimes 7:30 or later, depending on what my deadlines were. My dear friend was a no nonsense person and a professional who always made sure that the work produced was of the highest quality.



Even after my departure from DOE Eileen and I stayed in touch. She still worried about my well being. So very like her to do.



I do not know what I would have done without Eileen being there to make me feel inclusive and welcome. She had a gentle and special way about her. Our friendship developed and was sustained because she was very spiritual. During those difficult times of my life Eileen would always encourage me to be strong and to keep the faith. I am still holding on to my faith as Eileen would encourage me to do. I am blessed and grateful that our Creator allowed me to share in the radiance of Eileen's caring and special loving way.



Eileen will always be remembered by me and deeply missed.

David Perda

November 26, 2002

I was very sorry to hear about Eileen. I spent some time thinking about her today after getting Katie's e-mail. In my years at the Department, I developed a wonderful friendship with her. In very much a maternal way, Eileen was always looking out for me. She made sure that I didn't work too late, drive in from Rhode Island during winter weather, or go without eating lunch. In fact, she would often share her lunch with me and would tell me where she kept her stash of Cheez-it crackers in her desk drawer. During the years in which I was driving to Malden, she'd let me "borrow" her access card for the parking garage on the days when she wasn't working so I'd "save my money."



Eileen was always thinking of others, and she truly understood what was important in life. I, like many others, will miss her smile. Eileen was a woman of great faith so I am sure that she is now at peace.

Baiba Ozols

November 26, 2002

Eileen was a very special lady and has been a caring and wonderful friend for the past 18 years!

She had many qualities I admired...

She frequently offered her help and advice to others, yet she rarely troubled others with her own concerns.

Eileen was always watching out for me, making sure I was OK.

I loved her dearly and will miss her always.

Nicole Fazio

November 26, 2002

My Dear Friend Eileen,



I remember when I first started working at the DOE in 1998. You made me feel welcomed and always asked if I was eating and how I was doing in school. You guided me and I felt as though you were like another grandmother to me. You made sure that I was saving my money and how to look like a million bucks on a tight budget. I am going to miss your smile, kindness, generousity and above all your strength. When I left the DOE and I was depressed with my new job you called me several times just to make sure that I was ok. The last time I saw you I was back here at the DOE and you looked at me and smiled and I knew that it was indeed going to be ok. I am going to forever remember that smile and the hug I received. For the first time we all are going to look upon you and reflect on you the way you have looked upon us. Rest in peace. You will forever hold a place in my heart.

Jennifer Unger

November 26, 2002

Eileen...what can I say?



She was a friend, a collegues, a sometimes mother, and an extremely good and generous person. I loved her, and will miss her dearly.



I remember the last time I saw her. She was leaving the office (saying she wasn't feeling well). She stopped briefly in the doorway of my office to lean in and tell me good-bye. I said, "I'll see you later. Drive carefully." She replied, "The good Lord willing. Safe home." And she was gone.



Thinking back, this was our normal, end-of-the-day exchange, but how meaningful it has become to me now. She always abbreviated her message in the "safe home" -- meaning, I guess, "I pray you get home safely, Jennifer."



Eileen, the good Lord did not will that we see each other again, but He placed your presence in my heart forever. Safe home, Eileen....



Jennifer

Barbara Libby

November 25, 2002

We will all miss Eileen deeply. Over the ten years that we worked together she taught me many things. She had friends across the whole agency; Eileen knew who to call to solve any problem. She was self-assured and professional and didn't like anything to go wrong. She nurtured new staff and helped them find their way through the paperwork and forms. She watched over us and guided us like a mother over her ducklings. We were alike in many ways and so different in others- she would dress impeccably and knew how to shop. She would smile (and I knew she would) when I pointed to my outfit for the day and asked her "Does this match?" Eileen taught me some of life's most important lessons- when my family called they were more important than the meeting I was attending- she would knock lightly on the meeting door and pass me a message- "Your daughter called". I knew the message was -family first Barbara. Her lessons and advice were important ones. Her wisdom was respected. Eileen's motto was if you do something- you should do it well. She was a strong woman and I admired her strength. She told me many times that work kept her mind off of her illness- she felt better when she came into the ofice. We swirled around her, we needed her, her friends would call her from across the agency, and we all knew we would miss the day she left. I knew it was with great reluctance the day that she called me and said that she was not feeling well; she told me that she didn't know when she would be back to work. She told me to find someone else to help with the work. I told her I would wait until she got better. I wanted her to know the door was always open for her and it would be difficult to find anyone to fill her shoes after all these years. Eileen you were a wonderful colleague and friend. You have left us many memories and lessons. You will be in my heart forever.

Karen DeCoster

November 22, 2002

I had the privledge of working with Eileen Davenport for 5 years at the Department of Education. Not only was she a valuable employee but a good friend. Her candor, family values, and personal fortitude make her unforgetable.

ELAINE HESHION

November 22, 2002

TO THE DAVENPORT FAMILY, YOUR WIFE, AND MOTHER WAS A KIND, LOVING, PERSON WHOM I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF KNOWING HERE AT DEPT OF EDUCATION. I WILL TRULY MISS HER KIND SOUL AND WONDERFUL SMILE. REST IN PEACE EILEEN !!! WITH LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP. ELAINE

Geri & Dick Sullivan

November 22, 2002

Dear John & Family,

We are deeply sorry to hear of Eileen's passing. She was a good friend for many years. She will always be remembered.

Geri & Dick Sullivan

Venice, FL

Janet St. Don

November 21, 2002

You are one of the kindest and caring people I know. Always putting everyone elses concerns before yours. You are loved and will be truly missed. God bless you and your family.

Tracey Bonilla (Libby)

November 21, 2002

With a heavy heart I write this note. Mrs. D. was a wonderful and strong lady and she will be missed. Denise, Kathy, Jackie, Rachelle and Mr. D., our prayers are with you and lean this way when you need to.

Lynn Boston

November 21, 2002

Dear Eileen,

I was telling a friend about you last night ... that you were one of the first people I met here at the Department of Education when I began working here 13 years ago. You were always nice to me. You continuously advised us to save our money and put it away for retirement. You always told it like it was. You never complained about your illness, instead asking the rest of us how we were doing. I'm so glad that the last time I saw you I gave you a big hug.

I'll miss you Eileen,

Love,

Lynn Boston

Donna Feagin

November 21, 2002

Eileen will be missed. She and I worked together in Special Education when we were in Quincy. She taught me how to dress like a millioniar on a entry level budget. Took me to my first Filene's Basement Dress sale. She was good people.

Judy Winters

November 21, 2002

I'm going to miss you Eileen. You were always a great friend to me here at the Department. I'll always remember you! Love Judy xoxo

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