Obituaries

Eileen Louise Gossett McGee

Eileen Louise Gossett McGee, dear mother, adored grandmother, cherished great-grandmother, passed away peacefully January 20, 2008, at her home in Columbus, Ohio. Born January 9, 1924, in Apex, Ohio, Eileen was the seventh of nine children born to Watson Matthias and Mary Paxton Gossett. She had survived her siblings: Kathryn Leonard, Isabelle DeWalt, Vaughn Gossett, Janice Agin, Mary Elizabeth Cox, Olive Wright, Isaac Gossett, and Doris Long. Eileen graduated from Harding High School, where she enjoyed studying Latin and marching in the Big Red Band. She met Raymond L. McGee, an engineer with Weirton Steel, when her older brother brought the newcomer from Cleveland home to visit. On March 26, 1943, Eileen and Raymond married. They lived briefly in Steubenville before moving to Cleveland, then to rural Lake County. Eileen and Ray raised their three children on a farm in the Painesville/Thompson area. They restored a century home where they spent most of their marriage, then returned to Steubenville upon their retirement in 1985. Eileen and Ray celebrated the fiftieth year of their loving and joyous partnership before his death in 1993. Eileen devoted her life to her family, church, and community. Her genuine happiness in helping others coupled with her unwavering faith, courage, grace, and humor anchored Eileen’s life and attracted countless lifelong friends. A vivacious lady, she thrived on such diverse activities as PTO, Red Cross canteens, TOPS, church bazaars, Leisure Group activities, family reunions, and an occasional trip to Las Vegas with her girlfriends. In addition to the marvelous gifts of her character and personality, Eileen has passed on to family and friends her interests in reading, game-playing, cooking , baking, and quilting. The enthusiasm she brought to these pursuits will be missed. Eileen McGee is survived by her three children: daughter Deborah McGee; daughter Priscilla McGee Bassett and her family Kelly and Reid Coffman, Emie Coffman, Megan Wheeler, and her father, Brad Wheeler; Courtney and Barry Weaver and their daughter Sadie Eileen; Bryn and Matthew McCarthy; Nathaniel Bassett, and their father, Thomas Bassett; son Raymond L. McGee and his wife Carol Whitney and their family Tara and Joshua McGee and their daughters Jane, Kate, Annie, and Lucy; Molly and John Barto and their daughters Mary, Julia, and Ellen; and Portia and Lucas McGee. Survivors also include dear sisters-in-law Lillian and Frances Jean Gossett, beloved nephews and nieces, and treasured friends. The family wish to thank Hilda Benton, Dr. Vijaykumar, OSU Doctors Daoud, LeMay and Otterson; and HomeReach Staff: Dr. Patel; Nurse, Betsy; Aid, Terry; and Chaplains Steve and Chris. Arrangements are through the Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville, OH 43953, ph. 740.264.0563, with visiting hours Tuesday evening 7-9, Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9, and the funeral service Thursday morning at 10. Eileen’s family request that, in lieu of flowers, family and friends please consider a donation in her memory to their local Hospice or to HomeReach Hospice, 3595 Olentangy River Road, Columbus OH 43214.

Date of Death: January 20, 2008