Eileen M. Erwin Obituary
Eileen Mary (Heinonen) Erwin passed away on the morning of August 7th, at age 77. Eileen was born on May 31, 1949, and was the daughter of the late Walter John and Elizabeth Mary (Rose) Heinonen. She was surrounded by the love of her family throughout an illness at the endof her life.
After graduating Gloucester High School, Eileen received her BA degree from Salem State College, and her MA degrees in British Literature and School Administration from the same institution. She began her career as an English teacher at Gloucester High School and was later appointed Assistant Principal at GHS. She next moved to the A. Crosby Kennett Junior/Senior High School in Conway, NH as Principal. She then returned to the North Shore as Principal of Danvers High School in 1995. In 2001, Eileen earned her Ed.D from Boston University. Dr. Erwin was honored in 2004 with the prestigious Holland Award, designating her the Massachusetts High School Principal of the Year. She deeply valued her students, encouraging them to succeed in school and life. Her perseverance, drive, ambition, and dedication were inspiring, and she fought hard for the things and people she loved.
A natural leader from an early age, Eileen would direct activities when playing with the neighborhood kids, and would boss around her little sister, Donna. In her adulthood, she loved laughing and socializing, basking in the sun at the beach, and listening and dancing to music. She hosted countless gatherings for family and friends as an excellent cook, and no one ever left hungry. She was an avid traveler throughout her life, visiting many countries and islands.
Eileen was blessed with a happy, 58-year-long marriage to her high school sweetheart, Leo. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, and was very proud of the achievements of her family. She maintained lifelong friendships with many colleagues from Gloucester and Danvers High Schools; the parties that she would throw for her teachers and staff at her home were legendary. She was very active, teaching aerobics and becoming an accomplished runner, including winning her age division in the 15 mile Around Cape Ann Road Race.
Eileen is survived by her husband, Leo; son, Brian and his wife Lauren; daughter, Lauren and her wife Sally Miller; grandsons, Jackson and Dillon Erwin; sister, Donna Amero; nephew, Nathan Collins and wife Larissa; niece, Rachelle Favazza and husband Steve; great-nephew, Dante Favazza; sisters-in-law, Leeanne Wereszynski, Marie Erwin, and Christine Heinonen; and many beloved friends.
She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Danny and Artie Heinonen, sister Sheila Collins, and brothers-in-law Gene Amero and Leonard Wereszynski.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday, August 17, from 4-7PM in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 18 at 11AM in St. Ann Church, Holy Family Parish in Gloucester. Burial will take place in Locust Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.
