Eleanor Rosemary Devine
Eleanor Rosemary Devine, age 93, of Hamden, CT, passed away on April 3rd at Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Born in New Haven, CT on August 13, 1919 a daughter of the late Helena Tiernan and William A. Devine. Eleanor grew up in Hamden. She attended Spring Glen Grammar School and Hillhouse High School in New Haven. After one year at the College of New Rochelle she graduated from Albertus Magnus College, later studying at Southern Conn State University and at the University of New Haven. Her professional life included a short stint with the Knights of Columbus, 23 years as a statistician with Kopper Coke Co., 12 years as Director of Alumnae Affairs at Albertus Magnus College and 12 years at the Southern New England Telephone Co. as their first Paralegal, before retiring in 1980. A devout Catholic, Eleanor was a member of St. Rita Parish in Hamden where she was the first female lector and a member of the first Parish Council. Always active in community affairs, Eleanor was a member of the Catholic Charity League, was on the advisory board of Christian Community Action, a member of the Archdiocesan Campaign for Human Development and the New Haven Ecumenical Committee. She also served on the board of Conn. Motor Club and was elected to the Board of Trustees of Albertus Magnus College. For relaxation, Eleanor enjoyed the theater and in her younger years was herself active in amateur productions. She traveled widely in Europe and was especially fond of the Western United States. Beloved by her many friends, Eleanor was a strong woman who inspired many throughout the years. She is survived by her loving sisters, Jean Fitzpatrick of New Haven and Miriam Devine with whom she lived. Friends may attend her Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 5, at 11:00 AM in St. Rita Church. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Hamden. Arrangements are in care of BEECHER & BENNETT FUNERAL HOME, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden. Contributions in Eleanor's memory may be made to St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT 06517, 1620 Whitney Ave, Hamden, CT 06517.
Dear Miriam, I was lucky to volunteer with Eleanor at the Office of Urban Affairs of the Archdiocese of Hartford. You both turned my family on to .The American Catholic.. Amazing is all I can say about the Devine family for their spiritual gifts to all. Charles Schlegel
Dear Miriam, Please accept my deepest sympathy. I am blest to have known you and Eleanor during my years at St. Rita. Be assured of my continued prayers for you and your family. I am sure God has received Eleanor with open arms. Sincerely, Sr. Mary Anne Sharron, A.S.C.J.
Eleanor was a lovely lady, smart and kind, and always there with a smile and a good word. I worked with Eleanor at SNET, where she embarked on her second or third career as a paralegal.I’m sure she will be looking to make her mark as one of God’s angels, looking after her many friends and extended family. God Bless.
I first met Miss Devine when I was a young girl and my mom took me to events at Albertus. I have seen her many times over the years, at AMC and at St. Rita’s. She was always joyful and full of life: a beautiful witness to the faith that lit her from within. I am sorry that I cannot attend the funeral, but I will hold her, and you, in my prayer especially at Mass on Friday.
Miriam and Jean — Thinking of you both at this sad time. Eleanor and I hit it off almost from the moment we met. We had a great working relationship that turned to friendship. Although we had lost touch recently, I think of her often and will continue to think of her and miss her.
My deepest sympathies to Eleanor’s family. She lived a strong, vitale life that was a great model for all we Christians.
My heart and soul goes out to you, Miriam and to your family. I know that Eleanor is at peace in the arms of her Saviour who she loved with all her being.