Eileen D. (Roy) Guilbeault 84 of West Swanzey died peacefully in the familiar surroundings of her home on October 16, 2010 while at rest. She passed knowing she was loved by her family.
She was born in Keene on January 3, 1926 the daughter of Catherine R. (Fallon) and Leonard O. Roy. She was educated locally and graduated from Keene High School class of 1945. She attended and graduated from Keene Teachers College with a certificate in education.
On September 30, 1950 Miss Roy took her vows to Ernest R. Guilbeault with friends and family in attendance at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in West Swanzey. The Guilbeault’s made West Swanzey home and she has resided there for 84 years. Mr. Guilbeault passed earlier this year on April 19, 2010. They had been happily married for almost 60 years.
Mrs. Guilbeault was an educator and mentor to many children in the region for over 25 years. Before retiring in 1985. She loved to go to work to see the kids and her counterparts. It was her passion in life to help children grow and watch them learn. She started her career in the Hinsdale School System and moved onto the Cutler School and then the Wilcox School in Swanzey. She was well respected and admired by her students, parents and colleagues.
Eileen was a devout catholic. She was a member of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church in West Swanzey. Her faith was very important to her. She took part in many of the events at the church and supported the church on various committees and positions. It was a sad day for her when the church closed.
Eileen had many interests in life. She loved to read. Scrap booking was a fun way of looking back and seeing how her family had grown. She also had a green thumb growing flowers and vegetables. Mrs. Guilbeault was a Cub Scout Den Mother for Troop 276 in Swanzey. She was on the Board of Directors for the Stratton Free Library and was a member of the New Hampshire Teachers Association. In 2009 she was the Grand Marshall for the Swanzey Old Home Days parade. Mostly she was a mother and grandmother. She loved her family and loved to do things with them. Family was her greatest achievement in life.
She is survived by her four devoted children: Susan M. Joslyn and her husband William of Winchester, A. Patrick Guilbeault of West Swanzey, Catharine Krellenstein and her husband Gary of Manhasset, N.Y. and Karen E. Guilbeault of Exeter, R.I. Meme or Nana as she was called will be missed but not forgotten by her five grandchildren and one great grandchild. She will also be missed by her cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends. She is pre-deceased by her parents, husband Ernest R. Guilbeault and only sibling Mary Paquette.
Calling Hours will be held on Wednesday from 6 to 8p.m. at the funeral home where a memory book will be in place for those of you who wish to write a memory or personal note to the family. A funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday at 10a.m. at St. Bernard’s Church on Main St. In Keene. Christian Burial Rights will follow in the family lot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery Rt. 12 South. in Keene. In lieu of flowers the family has requested monetary donations be made in memory of Eileen D. Guilbeault to the Stratton Free Library, 9 Main St. West Swanzey, NH. 03446. All services are under the direction of Cheshire Family Funeral Home, 46 South Winchester St. West Swanzey. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com
