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Eileen Mills Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected death of our mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend, Eileen Mills who passed away on September 16, 2024. Eileen was born on Mother's Day, May 8, 1955 to the late James and Kathryn McKernan McDonough. She was the seventh child of nine children.
She is survived by her beloved sons, Ryan (Joshalyn) and Kevin (Alexa) Mills. Loving Nana to Cameron, Ava, Grayson Mills and Tristan Elliot. Sister of Kathleen Contois (William), Sheila McDonough (Louis Bernardo), Maureen Avery and brothers, Brian (Susan) and Robert (Jill) McDonough who was her guardian angel, 16 nieces and nephews and 28 grandnieces and nephews and cousins whom she loved dearly and many close friends. She was predeceased by brothers, Emmett, John and James (Laura) McDonough.
Eileen graduated from Eastern CT State University and Southern CT State University and spent most of her teaching career in the Haddam Killingworth School District. She was a dedicated teacher who set a great example for all and received many accolades and awards over the years including Teacher of the Year.
In lieu of flowers, a student scholarship has been set up in Eileen's name. Contributions should be made out to and mailed to H.K.H.S., 95 Little City Rd., Higganum, CT, 06441.
In memory of our sweet Eileen, please perform an act of kindness today.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Gary LaValle
January 30, 2026
As those who have crossed our paths there are some that hold more dear to us than others. I look back at the time Eileen and I shared time together in our teens. Precious times, memories and shared triumphs and tribulations that mold us into who we are and how crossing their path has tremendous value. Eileen cam to me like an angel, atva a dark time in my life. She was a beacon of hope. A light that still shines in my thoughts, memories and heart. She was caring, loving and special to me and always will be. I am fortunate to have shared some of the journey with her, even if it was only a few short years.
Ginnie Greene
December 3, 2025
Missing Eile every day. I remember her smile and all the love, advice, and care she gave me. Ginnie Greene
Ginnie Greene
November 11, 2024
It has taken me such a long time to be able to put words on paper about Ei. She was my teaching partner in the 6th grade, at HKMS, but I had known her as a colleague when she was teaching at another school in the district. She took my place in 6th grade at HES when I moved to another school and grade level after my first hip surgery. We were together again at another school where we taught on different 6th grade teams. She was the best kind of partner- kind, fun, very witty, supportive, helpful, and extremely honest about expressing her thoughts. I benefited from her calmer demeanor. She had a way of working with students and parents that was something I tried to emulate. We kept in touch after I retired from teaching. We had lunches together, texted each other, and we commiserated about our illnesses. I loved her "wicked" sense of humor that made me laugh a lot. My heart is broken for her death. She was an extraordinary woman and a beautiful friend. I will love her forever. Rest in eternal peace, my sweet Eileen.
Ginnie Greene, RSD #17-HES, KES, BES, HKMS
Sandy
September 26, 2024
Eileen was a dear friend for the last 26 years. The love and bond for her family, faith and friends was like no other. We met in 1998 when I started a new career as a para at Burr School. I loved working in her classroom. She was an amazing teacher. She taught her students the importance of kindness, respect, and compassion to others. When I say her kindness had no bounds I am truly not exaggerating. She always led by example. I had the privilege of watching this amazing woman work her magic in the classroom! Eileen touched so many lives and her memory will live on for this reason.
My first St. Patrick´s Day in Eileen´s classroom was memorable. I walked into her classroom not wearing a stitch of green. Eileen was wearing her mom´s blue sweatshirt with a big green shamrock on it. She had given me fair warning to remember to wear green. She was true to her word she came over and pinched me hard and laughed. I will miss her sense of humor and beautiful smile.
Eileen often tutored after school and would stop over and have a cup of tea before going home. I miss those days; I find myself making a cup a tea and reflecting on our time together and finding some comfort in these memories. We take life for granted and in a blink of an eye our world changes. I will miss our daily texting about politics, life, family and of course Rabbit, Rabbit, Rabbit. How I wish we had more time together my dear friend. Until we meet again my sweet loving friend.
"Sometimes grief is like a wave, and healing is like a butterfly."
It is not because things die,
That they are beautiful.
Things are beautiful
Because somehow,
A part of them lives on
And never dies...
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Laura Roman
September 23, 2024
Eileen taught my oldest daughter in elementary school. My daughter worshipped her! She even invited Eileen to our home for Passover seder! I always joked that if Eileen and I were both tied to train tracks and a train was coming, I wasn´t sure which of us my daughter would rescue first!! She was a real treasure and I´m sorry for your loss.
Laura Roman
Alison Halligan
September 20, 2024
It was an honor to be taught by such a wonderful person.
- student of hers in 2012
Carol Crandall
September 20, 2024
You will stay in our memories forever. Love you. Carol, Frank, Holly and Frank Jr Crandall.
Amy Koepke
September 19, 2024
Eileen was full of love, faith, and charity. She showed me how to teach with the heart and to remember that our job was to accept all students with open arms and mind. To work with her was a true gift and having her as my sons teacher was a treasure. No one can match the grace, and humility of such a profoundly talented person as Eileen. I will miss our silly Seinfeld texts, especially on December 23rd.
Nancy Walts
September 19, 2024
Eileen was a wonderful colleague at Burr School. Despite her physical adversities she was always positive. Her beautiful, warm smile and caring personality will be sorely missed. Fondly, Nancy Walts. Retired Teacher
Joanne fanning Cozzolino
September 19, 2024
Eileen was a true angel on earth. Her beautiful smile. Infectious laugh and gentle spirit will be so missed. My love and condolences to her children and siblings.
With love from Florida,
Joanne Fanning Cozzolino
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