Webster
Eileen Marie (Rohan) Berthiaume, age 93,went to Heaven on December 27, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
Born to Maurice and Maybelle (Lafford) Rohan on December 18, 1929 in Springfield, MA.
Eileen’s childhood was filled with dancing and singing on the stage with her sister Eleanore, lovingly nicknamed “Ellie”.
At age 8, she sang on radio stations in Springfield, MA and Hartford, CT and was later voted “Pin-Up Girl” for the United States
Air Force at Fort MacDill in Tampa, FL.
In her youth, Eileen resided all over New England and the surrounding area, including West Warwick, RI, Stafford Springs, CT ,
Ware, MA and on the Hudson River in New York. She attended St. Louis School in Webster, MA and graduated from Oxford High
School. It was in Oxford where Eileen informally met George E. Berthiaume, a pharmacy student at Oxford Drug who was love
Struck when his eyes met hers at the store. George convinced his sister to invite Eileen to a family barbeque where the two
Could formally meet. This face-to-face encounter was the beginning of a beautiful love story. George would buy a fresh rose
Every Friday evening and bring it to Eileen to wear in her hair while they danced the night away. The two dated for five months
Before George asked for Eileen’s hand in marriage; he sold his sailboat to purchase the ring. Their engagement lasted three years
Before taking their vows at St. Roch’s church on September 4, 1950.
A pharmacy technician at Oxford Drug and a cook at Hubbard Regional Hospital, Eileen’s career and personal accomplishments
Also included the owning and operating of Berthiaume Drug with her husband, becoming a mother, buying a lake house and working
With her husband at Brooks Pharmacy in Oxford, MA before retiring.
Eileen found solace and joy at her home on Webster Lake; both she and her husband were proud to offer such a fun, yet peaceful
Retreat to their family and friends. Eileen appreciated swimming and taking boat rides as often as possible; she learned to waterski
At age 40 and was seen riding her jet ski right up until this past summer. She made many cherished friends while residing on the lake,
Including her dear friend, Barbara Greene.
Eileen would frequent Vermont throughout her life to visit her sister and close family. She relished each trip as she was lovingly
Pampered and made to feel like a queen. In the winter, Eileen would travel to Myrtle Beach with her husband and son, George.
Lovingly known as Nana, Eileen was extremely proud of her Catholic upbringing and Irish heritage, with St. Patrick’s Day being
One of her favorite holidays. She always enjoyed dancing and singing, with the Irish Confederation of Music once sponsoring Eileen
For a contest where she was voted “Star of Tomorrow” at the Providence Theater. Eileen’s hobbies also included bowling, watching
Old movies, dining out and shopping. She had a keen sense of style and wanted to be dressed in the latest fashion with matching
Accessories and jewelry. Aside from her fashionable style, Eileen had a true zest for life and would often say she was a
“Sagittarius and nobody had better try to put out her fire”.
Eileen’s light and love will continue to live on in the hearts of the family she in now watching over, including her devoted son,
George C. Berthiaume of Webster, MA with whom she lived.
She also leaves behind her daughter, Eileen C. (Berthiaume) Alston and husband Mark of Webster, MA whom she was especially
Close to, and her son Kevin Berthiaume of Thompson, CT.
Eileen doted on her three surviving granddaughters: Shaina (Alston) Smith and her husband Timothy of North Scituate, RI.,
Jenelle (Alston) Provencher and her husband Kyle of Dayville, CT., and Brionna Alston of Raleigh, NC. Eileen also leaves behind
Her three great-grandchildren, Landon, Aria and Kinley, along with many cherished nieces and nephews. She also leaves her
Companion Tom Burns of Auburn, MA. Eileen was predeceased by her parents, all four of her brothers, James Rohan, Maurice Rohan,
Larry Rohan, Cloyd Rohan, her sister Eleanore (Rohan) Csizmesia and her beloved husband of over fifty years, George E. Berthiaume, who
Passed away in 2012.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Harrington Hospital and Dr. Gary Blanchard for providing a great deal of care before Eileen was
Reunited with loved ones in Heaven.
There will be no calling hours. A funeral mass will be held at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main Street, Oxford, MA. on Saturday, January 21, 2023
At 11 AM. The family will be honoring Eileen at a private burial before welcoming family and friends to attend a reception held at her
Daughter Eileen’s home.
THE ROBERT J MILLER FUNERAL HOME and LAKE CHAPEL, 366 School Street, Webster, MA. is assisting the family with arrangements.