NEWPORT – Eileen Soper, 92, died Dec. 29, 2005, at the Sebasticook Valley Nursing Home, Pittsfield. She was born May 21, 1913, in Newport, the daughter of Lewman B. and Carrie (Norton) Soper. She graduated as the valedictorian of Newport High School, Class of 1930. She received a bachelor’s degree from Bates College in 1934, where she majored in French and was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa. In 1935, Eileen received a master’s degree in French culture and literature from Columbia University. For 39 years she taught French in secondary schools in Ashby, Bridgewater, Swampscott and Wellesley, Mass., achieving the honor of qualifying for the status of “Superior” teacher. Eileen studied and traveled in France for several summers and also attended summer sessions at University of New Hampshire and Middlebury College. In 1974, she retired to Newport. She was a member of the People’s United Methodist Church and was a member of the Sebasticook Garden Club, serving as treasurer for 11 years. Eileen was a former member of the Newport Woman’s Club and a volunteer at Meals for ME for many years. She enjoyed reading, knitting and traveling. After her retirement she spent many winters in Florida as well as enjoying several trips abroad. She is survived by a sister, Margaret S. Witham of Newport; three nieces, Anne W. Jenkins of Owls Head, Pamela W. Dahl of Bangor and Susan W. Goddard of Freeport; several great-nieces and great-nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Sebasticook Community Home where Eileen lived from 1999 to 2002, and the staff at Sebasticook Valley Nursing Home, where she lived from 2002, until the time of her death, for their wonderful care. At Eileen’s request there will not be a funeral service at this time. Graveside memorial services will be held in the spring at the Riverside Cemetery in Newport. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the People’s United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 182, Newport, ME 04953. Cremation arrangements by Crosby & Neal, 117 Main St., Newport. For more information or to sign an online guest book, go to www.crosbyneal.com
EILEEN SOPER
