Eileen Marie Larkin

SOUTH HAMILTON-Eileen Marie Larkin passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on June 30, 2018. Born on October 6, 1925, she was a lifelong resident of South Hamilton, MA. A devout parishioner of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church, Eileen was a staple at the Saturday 4:30 Mass and many other Church functions. She attended the Hamilton schools and earned a Bachelor of Science at the former Salem State College. Her career began in 1946 at St. John's Preparatory School. Starting as a secretary and typing teacher, by the time she retired 50 years later she had traded her typewriter for a computer, supported the Board of Trustees, nine Headmasters, and her title had changed to Administrative Assistant. Her intellectual curiosity drove her desire to embrace the abundance of the internet and efficiency of word processing. Her contributions were notable and the new Main Office was named after her in April. She often spoke so fondly of her long career at the Prep, what she accomplished as well as how much the students, staff and the institution meant to her. She said her time there was life-giving and enjoyed close friendships and recent visits from many of the Xaverian Brothers. After retiring from the Prep in 1996, Eileen began another career as the parish secretary at St. Paul's Church where she handled the important work of scheduling Church events and recording meetings and other administrative work for another 15 years, finally completely retiring at the age 80. A recent highlight was her 90th birthday party where over 100 friends came to wish her well and she kept repeating "I can't believe all these people came for me"—friends were her lifeline and she cherished every single one. Many times she remarked how lucky she was to have so many neighbors, friends and family supporting her. Eileen was a true friend to all and had the gift of unconditional listening. She had great curiosity about everyone's lives and an amazing memory. She would ask about details relating to past conversations even if many months had passed. Her front porch was a welcome gathering place for all and hosted many laughs and good times. Eileen spent this past winter at the Herrick House in Beverly where she made even more friends, and experienced yet another rebirth—enjoying her newfound freedom riding the elevators alone after 92+ years of taking the stairs. Her daily highlights included strolling around with her walker checking up on things, and participating in all Herrick House had to offer. She wholly enjoyed her time there, sharing stories and laughs with her tablemates at meals, and feeling very involved, safe and secure due to the wonderful staff. Eileen was predeceased by her parents, Helen and William Larkin, her sisters Helen and Jean, and "Brother" William. She is survived by her loving family, nieces and nephews Sharon, Cynthia and husband Scott, William and wife Irene, David and wife Michelle, Patricia and husband Michael, Maureen and husband Ted, Diane, sister-in-law Wink, and grand nieces and nephews Meredith, Will, Austin, Samantha , and Teddy. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Eileen's village of friends, the Xaverian Brothers, St. John's Prep, St. Paul's Church and the Herrick House. Special thanks also to the staffs of Masconomet Healthcare and Care Dimensions who provided exceptionally kind and compassionate care during her illness. ARRANGEMENTS: Her funeral Mass will be held in St. Paul's Catholic Church, 50 Union St., Hamilton on Saturday July 7th at 9 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Hamilton Cemetery. Visiting hours in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St., (rte. 62) Danvers on Friday from 4 to 7 P.M. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Eileen's memory to St. Paul's Catholic Church, 50 Union St., Hamilton, MA 01982 or to St. John's Prep., Office for Institutional Advancement, 72 Spring St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.