Eileen Donnelly Muirhead

Eileen Donnelly Muirhead
Eileen Donnelly Muirhead, 89, of Portland, CT, died on March 23rd after a blessed life. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Donald W. Muirhead; parents Ann and John Donnelly and a brother, John Donnelly. She leaves three children, Donald Muirhead and his wife, Anne; Andrew Muirhead and his wife, T'Ann Wolfe; and Christina Muirhead; three grandchildren, Caroline and husband Yahel Nachum; Elizabeth Muirhead, and John Muirhead; and a great granddaughter, Esther Nachum.
Eileen grew up surrounded by family in Clifton, NJ and ventured forth to UConn to start her life as a college student. She and Don were introduced by a mutual friend and Eileen was immediately swept off her feet by Don's exuberance and energy, his keen mind, and above all, his kindness. He was equally smitten with her, and they began their life together. By age 26, they had settled in Portland, CT where their young family grew to include three active children who were the highlight of her life. Summers involved family camping, trips to the lake house her father had built on Lake Grinnell in Sparta, NJ, and visits with her brother John's and his brother Rick's families.
Eileen began her career as a school teacher, teaching at several of Portland's schools for 15 years. She eventually obtained an advanced degree in math and brought her expertise to the Connecticut Department of Labor, where she worked as a systems analyst, enjoying the new challenge and retiring in 2003 after many fulfilling years.
As their children became adults, their time, once again, became their own. Eileen and Don started buying and selling glassware, spending their weekends traveling to glass shows, tag sales and flea markets throughout New England. They also took many trips to Europe, including traveling to Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and France to explore family ties and practice the French she had worked so hard to learn. They also fulfilled a lifelong dream to explore the many wonderful sights of the US by taking a meandering drive home after visiting family in California. After their grandchildren were born, they enjoyed many trips with their son Don and his family to Florida and to Mont Tremblant in Quebec. Summers were spent gardening, reading, studying French and enjoying their home in Portland.
During the final years of Eileen's life, she was lovingly cared for by her daughter, Christina. They shared many lunches and outings as Christina worked to make sure that her mother enjoyed her days. Afternoons with her son, Don, and visits with her infant great-granddaughter, Esther, also brought her joy in her final years. Calls and visits from Andy and T'Ann were cherished and valued.
Eileen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She valued her family more than anything else and will be greatly missed.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, April 6th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Church, Portland. Burial will follow at the State Veteran's Cemetery, Middletown. Friends may call at the Portland Memorial Funeral Home, 231 Main St., Portland on Monday, April 6th from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m.