Evans, Ga./Trenton
Eileen D. Knott died peacefully in Evans, Ga., Feb. 4, 2021, of heart complications. She was born July 10, 1930, in Ellsworth, to Frank J. and Mary Hughes Dunleavy. Her grandparents, James and Hannah Dunleavy, were caretakers at the Woodlawn estate in Ellsworth.
Eileen graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1947. She went on to graduate from Regis College in 1951. During her summer breaks, she worked for the New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. in Ellsworth, connecting calls for local residents and summer visitors such as Adm. Byrd, the Fords and the Rockefellers.
Upon graduation from Regis, Eileen worked for Kemper Insurance in Boston before marrying Richard D. Knott. They raised their family in Connecticut, returning to Ellsworth every summer to visit family and friends. Upon Richard’s retirement, they moved to Florida, never missing summers at their cottage on Union River Bay. Eileen kept active in her grandchildren’s lives, attending graduations, athletic and dance competitions. Her home and cottage were always open for family visits. She loved traveling, whether visiting family or experiencing something new.
During the last eight years, Eileen lived in two retirement communities: one in Virginia and the other in Georgia. She enjoyed movie and theater outings, Great Decisions discussions on foreign policy and her book club. She was particularly fond of classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University.
She will be missed for her sharp wit, intellectual curiosity and independent spirit.
Eileen was predeceased by her parents, Frank J. and Mary H. Dunleavy, her husband, Richard D. Knott, and her sister Margaret Dunleavy. She is survived by her sister, Maureen D. Hodgkins, and brother, John F. Dunleavy (Helen Dunleavy); her daughters Karen Gagnon (Michael Gagnon), Ellen Kazimer (Robert Kazimer), Theresa Sheehan (Mark Sheehan); and grandchildren Eileen Gagnon, Sarah Glassman (Matt Glassman), Michael Gagnon, Katherine Kazimer, Timothy Kazimer (Nile Kazimer), Laura Sheehan, Mary Sheehan, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Spring interment will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Ellsworth. A memorial service is planned for late July. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eileen’s memory may be made to the Emmaus Homeless Shelter, P.O. Box 811, 51 Main St., Ellsworth, ME 04605, or the SPCA of Hancock County, 141 Bar Harbor Road, Trenton, ME 04605.
Arrangements by Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth.
Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.