RUMFORD — Eileen Marie Pelletier, 81, wife of Patrick Pelletier of Peru, went to her heavenly home on May 8, to finally be with her parents and siblings.

Eileen was a first-generation Irish-American, born in Manchester, Conn., on Sept. 19, 1935, to Beatrice and Arthur McGowan. After graduating from Manchester schools, Eileen began working at Pratt & Whitney where she met and soon married Pat on May 15, 1954. They raised their family of six children before moving to Peru  in 1967 where the couple has since resided. Beyond her roles as wife, mother and homemaker, Eileen worked as a CNA at the Dixfield nursing home before starting at the Peru school when the hot lunch program was started. She was then known for many years as the much beloved “lunch lady” before finally retiring.

After retirement, Eileen and Pat spent time traveling in their pickup camper, including a six-month trip through the United States and Canada to Alaska. They also traveled to Ireland to see her parents’ homeland and visit long-lost relatives. The couple spent much of their recent years at camp on St. Froid Lake, Pat’s birthplace, in northern Maine — a special place where they truly loved their time together. When at home Eileen could be found quilting and working in her sewing room as she loved to make any number of treasured gifts and items for her children and many grandchildren. Her quilts and blankets are truly valued treasures to this day.

She is survived by her loving husband, Patrick; children, Steve and wife, Mary, of Topsham, Patricia of Tyler, Texas, Sheila McMillan of Norway, Gail Zeringue of Lafayette, La., Clayton and longtime companion, Tammy, of Rumford, and Thomas and wife, Kelley, of Mexico; as well as 23 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren; and many more nieces, nephews and other loved relatives.

Eileen is predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Beatrice McGowan; her siblings, Betty Skinner, and twins Arthur and Audrey McGowan.

The family greatly appreciates the love and kind gestures of the many friends and relatives received during this time of loss and for their support during Eileen’s period of decline.

You are invited to share your thoughts, condolences and fond memories with the Pelletier family by visiting their guest book at www.sgthibaultfuneralhome.com.

Eileen M. Pelletier