Iris Francesca Eaton

I remember Auntie Iris curled up with a book, she seemed to always be reading. She attended my College Graduation, made me feel very important...thank you Auntie. My last visit with her was when she came here to RI about 7 years ago, determined to tour the Newport Mansions. I'm glad we were able to make that happen. She was an inspiring soul, loved and respected.

Dear Family and Friends of Iris Eaton: I am unable to be with you in person for the home going celebration of Iris, our friend, colleague, and family member of many years. However, I am with you in my mind and in my heart today.



Iris was delighted with life, which made her a delight, too. It did not take much to catch her attention or to delight her—the color on a blue jay’s wing, the smile of your new baby, remembrances of a wonderful lunch shared with good friends long ago. For Iris painted images in her heart and shared them generously with all who listened.



Although we had not spoken for many years, I will always regard her as my friend. Iris is gone from our presence physically, but I am sure that, from time to time, we will all remember one of her painted heart images and be delighted all over again.

Washington Post obit



Thursday, February 9, 2006; B05



Iris Francesca Eaton

Howard University Editor



Iris Francesca Eaton, 96, retired managing editor of the Journal of Religious Thought, died Jan. 31 at her home in Washington.



Ms. Eaton joined the staff of the Howard University Press when it started in 1972 and retired in 1986. She handled the rights and permissions requests and was managing editor of the Journal of Religious Thought.



She was born in Bridgeport, Conn., and studied at New York University. She began her career in the 1930s in New York, working as an editorial secretary at William Sloane Associates and later as an editorial assistant for Ebony, Jet and Hue magazines.



She was photo editor of the American Heritage and Grolier publishing companies. She also was associate editor of the American Heritage's "Horizon History of Africa."



An accomplished amateur artist, Ms. Eaton studied painting and drawing at the Corcoran School of Art and exhibited at the Corcoran and Howard University.



She was a volunteer at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church in the District and was a past vice president of the American Society of Picture Professionals.



Survivors include a brother and sister.

I remember visiting aunt Iris as a teenager. What a wonderful memorable experience. She will be missed.

Aunt Iris always made us feel special and we truly valued the times we shared together. She was an incredible and inspirational woman and she will be deeply missed. The sun will shine alittle less brighter in her absence.

To the Eaton Family,

May God comfort you with His presence and peace at this time as the memories of such a lovely person surround you.

Love and Blessings,

Iris will always be a very important part of how I feel about St. Maragets Church and she had a very subtle but real effect on my own spiritual life. She was a graceful witness to God's peace.

Sincerely,

Dan

Aunt Iris was one amazing woman. I loved her sharp mind, her artistic talents, stories of her childhood, memories of my father. I loved how she would give up her bedroom when we came to visit and promise us her sofa was more comfortable. And you'd dare not argue with her about that! The children (Robyn, Chris,Matt) and I have fond memories and know she is with God and happy. We also know she is probably having the best reunion with family and friends who predeceased her. We loved Aunt Iris and will miss her very much.

I knew Iris for almost 30 years, and found her to be both an impressive and a delightful person. She was talented, bright, pleasant, good-humored and up-beat. Iris' manner was gentle, and that gentleness complemented her great inner strength. She walked humbly before God, from Whom she received many gifts. All in all, she was a great and special lady.

About Iris-- I guess everyone at some point or another in their lives, takes a moment or more to consider what course their lives might have taken but for a single incident.When I was bedridden with pneumonia in my very early grammar school days I missed almost a year of school. My "counterpane," as Stevenson described it, was laden with library books courtesy of sister Iris. Robin Hood, Ivanhoe, and Sherlock Holmes shared space with Peter Rabbit and Scheherazade. The little boy who returned to school was quite a different person from the child who took to bed. Whatever the intangibles that enable one to see beyond the trees, beneath the surface, and above the clouds I owe to the lady who shared her love of literature with me. God bless her again for me. Brother John.

"I just keep putting one foot in front of the other and keep on moving," Aunt Iris explained as a reason for her longevity. I appreciate her attitude and her magnificent life story. She had a giggle like a little girl. That's a musical sound that will stay in my head forever. She did it "her way." She loved and laughed and cared. What a remarkable life.



Much love, Aunt Iris. Rest peacefully.



Your loving niece, Barbara

Aunt Iris and Family, You have been a light and encouragement to me and my family your memory lives on.

Iris Eaton was a beautiful soul and was admired and loved by all at St. Margaret's. She was a spirited treasure to our parish. We mourn her loss deeply and know that her soul is at rest with our God.

PEACE BE WITH IRIS.

Aunty Iris lived a life that all of us can learn from. She didn't let anything hold her back and enjoyed life until the end.



Thank you for your gift, Aunty Iris, and I will try to use it well.

Iris:



Was a very great lady--so kind

and thoughtful of others.