Eileen Mary Richardson Bartram passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at her home in New Hartford after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was surrounded by her husband of almost 35 years, Richard “Dick” Bartram and many family members at the time of her passing. Eileen was born on April 9, 1936 in Torrington, CT to Olive (Hewitt) and Clarence Richardson.
She was the oldest of eight children and is survived by her brothers Gerald (Sharon) and Kenneth (Janet), her sisters Margaret Beary, Norah (Lee) Hodge and Mavis (Greg) Kula. She was predeceased by her bother Clarence “Doug” Richardson and her sister Laurie Lane. Eileen was the proud mom to David (Jacki) Buyak, Nancy Hoyt, Susan (Fred) Newman, Wendy (Wayne) Sedgwick, John (Grace) Bartram, Suzanne (LaMarr) Walton, Laura (Tom) Maragnano and Sally (Giles) Potter.
She was blessed with 21 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren with two more great grandchildren due this spring. She was predeceased by her great granddaughter, Ava Jade Newman. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
Music and creativity were a large part of Eileen’s life. She was an accomplished musician, playing the accordion, piano and organ with several local orchestras and bands. She also played at many campgrounds throughout North America during their travels with the Wally Byam Airstream Club and most recently at Travelers Rest in Dade City, FL where she and Dick made their winter home.
It was not unusual to see people ringed around a piano singing up a storm and always at the center was Eileen and her piano. She taught piano and organ to several of her children and grandchildren. Eileen loved music and many of her children and grandchildren play musical instruments today, much to her enjoyment.
The evening before her passing, her granddaughter Abigail was playing the piano and Eileen had such joy on her face, even though she was in rapidly failing health. She was an accomplished seamstress, making beautiful quilts and wedding gowns for several family members and taught sewing to family as well. She was involved at an early age with the Torringford Grange and held several chairs with the Grange.
She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Aside from her musical career, she worked for area businesses including Torrington Savings Bank, Land o’Lakes and Mitchell Volvo, both in Simsbury. A special thanks goes out to Eileen’s sister-in-law, Janet Richardson, RN-BS, who lovingly oversaw her medical care, and to Eileen’s caregivers Carla Turra, Sherril Gregory, Michelle Hester and Ruth Collen and previously Gina Bergmann, without whom it would have been difficult to keep Eileen in her home.
Calling hours are Thursday, January 17, from 5-8 at Phalen Funeral Home, 285 Migeon Avenue, Torrington. A funeral service will be held Friday morning, January 18 at 11:00, also at Phalen’s, with Mother Sandra Cosman of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Pine Meadow officiating. Burial will be at Bakerville Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Foothills Visiting Nurse Association in Winsted or Alzheimers Association in Southington. www.
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