Eileen M. Dahill

Eileen Marie Dahill (26 April, 1928 - 29 May 2023) was born in Cambridge, MA to Edward and Flora Kelley, and was one of three children. She married Charles Ireland (Charlie) Dahill on 26 February, 1949. They have 7 children, 12 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren, all of whom have inherited some portion of Eileen's many excellent qualities.
Eileen is remembered for many things, especially her musical ability. She would often play piano in the early afternoons before the kids came home from school. They could hear her playing even before they came in the door, which made for a warm, loving homecoming after the school day. She was often asked to play piano for Christmas pageants and shows at St. Agnes School.
She enjoyed singing as much as playing the piano. Her impromptu singing was contagious and everyone in the family joined in. Mum and Dad would often sing harmony duets while doing the dinner dishes together. They would even sometimes sing their conversations, and it would bring joy and delight to the family.
For many years, Eileen made summer guests feel at home as an usher at The Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit Maine. Music from classic Broadway musicals came alive for her in a special way. Eileen always looked forward to the opening night party when she would sing the old favorites with the cast.
Eileen and Charlie lived in Ogunquit for over 25 years. The house was frequently in process as they added rooms and features for many of those years. Eileen was a great help to Charlie when he worked on construction projects - except perhaps for that time she helpfully put the ladder away while Dad was still on the roof, stranding him there for several hours. It's still uncertain whether she knew Dad was up there or not.
Eileen was playful, and taught her children to value playfulness as a way of expressing love. Eileen and Charlie surrounded themselves with friends who shared their love for laughter and joy. The Lamberts, the Beauchamps, the Robichauds, the Kennedys, and the Amands were all people who brought joy into the world with their friendship, laughter and fun. The way Eileen and Charlie valued friendships and shared experiences taught others the importance of human relationships.
In later years, when Mum no longer played piano or sang much, she still enjoyed playing bingo and several card games. She could play for hours, and it became her way of keeping her relationships with her children strong. Hard of hearing and short of sight, Eileen was still capable of being playful through gestures and knowing looks while playing her hand. As a core feature of her personality, playfulness was how she communicated love and affection. The sharing of an "inside joke" was how she expressed her deep connection with others. Some would say her card playing demeanor was ruthless, but only insofar as she never gave up.
Eileen is survived by all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Perhaps her greatest legacy is her undaunted capacity for love, regardless of circumstance. Eileen was steadfast in her commitment to her family, even when life was difficult. She taught us how creativity and lightness can bring joy to others. Mum found ways to encourage her seven children in all their wildly different interests. The basis for this came from the core of her life: joy, playfulness, and love. For these things Eileen will be best remembered, and these attributes will carry on in the families of Dahills, Hugheses, Campbells, Grillos, and Sandfords.
The family wishes to express their gratitude for the care provided to our mother from the staff at New Horizons. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fidelity House.