Eileen T. Wilson

Eileen Therese ( Wardwell) Wilson 1960-2009 Eileen Therese (Wardwell) Wilson slipped gracefully from this life on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009, just days before the Christmas holiday she looked forward to all year long and for which she had, as was her tradition, made special preparations for her family. Eileen, of Niantic, was the wife of Robert Cremins Wilson and the mother of Colleen Elizabeth, Robert Edwin (Rew), Fallon Therese and Ireland Anne. She was the center and anchor of a family that is deeply involved in all aspects of the local community, and who turned to Eileen for her guidance, her support and, above all, her love. Eileen had fought and won a battle against breast cancer more than a decade ago, only to succumb to complications related to a recent injury and surgical procedure, from which she was recovering. Cancer-free for 15 years, she died at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, her family at her bedside. In addition to her immediate family, she leaves a sister, Leslie Fleury and her husband, Robert, of North Stonington; and two brothers, Rex Wardwell and his wife, Ellen, of Suffield; and Bruce Wardwell and his wife, Daryl, of Wethersfield; nieces Jennifer, Kelsey and Liza; and nephews Christopher, Patrick, Daniel and Jake. She was predeceased by her parents, Edwin and Helen Wardwell, of Mystic, formerly of Enfield. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ellen Wilson Kozlowski, and her husband, Brian, and daughters, Paris and Shea, of Atlanta; brother-in-law, John Wilson, and his wife, Julie, and daughters Jenna, Jessica and Jillian; brothers-in-laws Willy and Patrick Wilson; and her mother-in-law Marjorie Wilson Aubrey, all of Niantic. Also not to be forgotten, her faithful four legged companion, Riley Wardwell Wilson. She will be sadly missed by her life-long friend and college roommate Karen and the many friends she made in the course of her time as a "baseball mom" and in supporting East Lyme Viking Sports. Eileen was born on March 2, 1960, in Enfield, Conn., and graduated from Enfield High School in 1978. A 1982 graduate of Eastern State College, she met her husband Rob at Rocky Neck State Park the summer after college. The couple settled in Niantic where they have made their home for 24 years. Eileen began her career at New England Savings Bank and then worked for Electric Boat's General Dynamics Division before taking time from the workplace to be home with her children. While she was at home, she launched a business, Reunion Connection, which planned and executed numerous high school reunions in Connecticut. She pursued yet another business opportunity in 2005 when she joined Levy Entertainment as a book and video merchandiser. Even as she balanced the demands of her busy work schedule with the needs of day-to-day life, Eileen's focus, always, was her family and doing everything she could to help her children set a course for meaningful and fulfilling lives. She effortlessly managed details and envisioned the big picture for countless successful school events at Niantic Center, East Lyme Middle School and East Lyme High School; was a constant presence at her children's sports games and competitions; provided unwavering support for her husband through many political campaigns; and, above all, was the heart of the Wilson family. In addition to the community-based events she organized or attended with her family, Eileen also enjoyed traveling. Favorite family destinations included Disney World and visiting extended family in San Diego, in addition to local weekend getaways in New England. When at home, Eileen enjoyed working in her garden, trying new recipes in her kitchen and hosting numerous gatherings, including her famous "Sunday afternoon fire parties." The Wilsons will greet family and friends at Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand Street, Niantic, on Tuesday, Dec. 22 from 3 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 23, at St. Agnes Church, Niantic. Interment will follow immediately at Union Cemetery, also in Niantic. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Eileen's memory may be made to Robert & Eileen Wilson's Children's Education Fund, care of Chelsea Groton Bank, 21 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic CT 06357. Upon learning of Eileen's passing, friends of the Wilson children quickly gathered on the social networking site, Facebook, to launch a group to lend their support and offer their prayers. The site can be found on Facebook by searching for the group "Praying for the Wilson Family." It is open to the public and welcomes additional comments of love and support. The Wilsons extend their deepest appreciation to the Niantic Fire Department Ambulance Crew and to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital's Paramedic Unit, Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit staff for their care and attention during Eileen's last days, as well as to Richard M. Hellman, M.D., for many years of exceptional care.