Eileen Martin Carvalho

Eileen Martin Carvalho, 58, devoted wife of and best friend to Marcelo Carvalho, and beloved daughter to John Joe and Maureen Sinon Martin (West Springfield, MA), passed away Wednesday, November 29, after a brave, two-year battle with cancer.

Eileen was born on August 6, 1965, in Hartford, CT. She graduated from West Springfield High (MA) and earned her nursing degree from St. Joseph College, West Hartford, CT, Class of '87.

She started her nursing vocation at Hartford Hospital and devoted her entire career to the compassionate care of her patients. While working at Hartford Hospital, she met her husband, Marcelo. They married in 2003 and went on to build their home in South Windsor, CT.

Eileen was a caring and nurturing wife, daughter, friend, and nurse. She was always concerned for others' well-being. "Safety first" was her cautionary mantra. Eileen was devoted to her close-knit family. She was a "second mom" to her nieces and nephews who will be forever grateful for her presence in their lives. Eileen was also blessed with a group of friends who cared deeply for each other. They laughed together, cried together, and supported each other through both good and challenging times.

She was unassuming but made her presence known with her quick wit and endearing sense of humor, playful pokes of fun, and her ability to make others laugh at themselves. She cleverly mimicked mannerisms and idiosyncrasies in what she observed in the world around her, all in good-natured fun. She was spirited and anyone who knew her, looked forward to being with her.

Eileen was crafty, loved celebrating Christmas, was difficult to stump in 1970/80 music trivia, and was always a gracious hostess. She enjoyed traveling with Marcelo and especially enjoyed trips to Puerto Rico where she felt a warm attachment to the people there. Some of her fondest memories were summer vacations with extended family at Indian Neck Beach. She would often recall the love and the laughter shared during those special weeks in July.

Eileen embraced all things Irish, including her loveable stubbornness. She very much enjoyed celebrating the "High Holiday" with her friends and attending the Hartford St Patrick's Day parades with her family. A toast with an "Irish cream" was always a favorite.

Eileen was predeceased by her sister, Ann Marie Martin, and by numerous loved ones, all of whom she enjoyed close relationships with throughout her life. We are certain they will all be welcoming her with open arms.

In addition to her husband and parents, Eileen will be sadly missed by her sister Theresa Martin (Wixom, MI), brother and sister-in-law, John and Jodie Martin (North Grafton, MA), brother-in-law Lucas Carvalho and his wife Tara (Weymouth, MA), brother-in-law Nicholas Carvalho and his wife Keylla (Windham, NH). She shared a special bond with her nieces and nephews, Jack and Ava Martin; Izzy, Lucia, and Maria Carvalho; and Seliana, Sarah, and Lucas Carvalho. Eileen also leaves behind several very beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.

After her diagnosis, and with Marcelo by her side every step of the way, Eileen bravely fought every day to live another. Her endurance, courage, and grace throughout her journey are a source of inspiration for all those who witnessed her overcome fear and adversity. Her drive to keep going was strengthened by the unmatched love and support of her family and her dear friends, especially Mary, Sharon, and Conna. Her family extends sincere gratitude to all who held Eileen's hand and her heart.

Eileen will be fondly remembered by everyone who met her. She would want us to honor her legacy and keep her memory alive by taking care of each other, lifting each other up, and making each other laugh.

We will miss you, Weenie. Love you. "Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand."

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 4 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 79 New Park Avenue, Hartford. Burial will follow at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. Calling hours will be Sunday, December 3, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., at The Ahern Funeral Home, 180 Farmington Ave., Hartford. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in memory of Eileen Carvalho to support Dr. Praful Ravi's cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 (Please write checks payable to "Dana-Farber" and include "in memory of Eileen Carvalho" in the memo line.) To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.ahernfuneralhome.com.