EILEEN MARIE (O’BRIEN) DUNBAR

HERMON – Eileen Marie (O’Brien) Dunbar and her family want to thank the many wonderful relatives, friends and medical professionals who helped her to stay happy, motivated and moving along during the past two decades, especially Drs. Gratwick and Weiss. With everyone’s support, but mostly because of her own strength and spirit, Eileen enjoyed more years with family and friends than many people thought possible. Although she was freed of her physical challenges and limitations Wednesday, July 16, 2008, Eileen would want each of us to remember those who continue to experience the difficulties posed by rheumatoid arthritis and other debilitating conditions. Born January of 1936, Eileen was blessed with more friends and loved ones than could ever be listed here, especially after joining the large and always caring Dunbar family. Her childhood was filled with fun, and a little mischief, on the stoops and streets of Kearny, N.J., with Roseann, Marie and many others and her summers were carefree at the shore in The Highlands, with her grandparents, parents; beloved brother, Danny, and so many more, including Barbara, Joan, Patti, Kathy and Jimmy. She moved to Maine at the end of the 1950s, but Eileen had always been a Jersey girl. Arriving in Maine 50 years ago this October, just after marrying her endlessly supportive and loving husband, Doug, Eileen devoted herself to raising Cathy, Patty and Douglas, and to contributing in whatever way she could to help people in need. She made a difference through volunteer service in church and charitable organizations, including St. John’s and St. Mary’s Catholic churches, Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, St. Vincent DePaul store and The Attic, Bangor. During those years, she developed cherished lifelong friendships with Jean, Norma, Pilar, Vivian, the ladies at Libby’s Card Shop and countless others. Always a Democrat, Eileen also spent time supporting the candidates and causes she believed would make the world a better place. She never gave up hope that society could be improved through the political process. Eileen had the opportunity to meet many elected officials throughout the years and always spoke her mind when given the chance to talk with members of Congress, governors and at least a couple presidents and first ladies. She even shared a few words of wisdom with Senator Barack Obama earlier this year, during his visit to Bangor. Eileen had always been a proud Democrat and, though conservative on some issues, she’d never been shy to call herself a liberal. In recent years, Eileen had devoted her time and attention to six adored grandchildren, Nick, Kim, Chris, Erin, Lizzy and Katie. Her time spent with them at home, on the beach, at Sebago Lake and in the White Mountains filled her life with enormous pleasure and countless laughs. Grammy will be watching over them and following their progress in school and in life. Despite nearly 20 years working at Libby’s, Eileen would want people to save their money on cards, gifts and flowers and instead honor her by voting in each election, by contributing to charities, and by visiting someone in the hospital or a nursing home whenever possible. A Mass to celebrate Eileen’s life and contributions will be held 11 a.m. Monday, July 21, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Bangor. Interment will be held after at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Hermon. Arrangements by Greenlawn Funeral Directors, Bangor.