Eileen Beatrice (Etherington) Ames, born in Gloucester City, N.J., on Nov. 23, 1920, died in Mystic on Aug. 31, 2009.
Eileen was one of five siblings whose family owned a small grocery store in Gloucester City, N.J., where she grew up. She was valedictorian of Gloucester City High School in 1937.
She worked as a secretary until marrying William Ames in 1944. She and Bill moved to Mystic in the early 1950s. She started working with Mystic Seaport as a volunteer in 1952 when the museum was small and the staff only a few people. She saw the need for greater participation and soon became a member of staff. Eileen made sure she was everywhere the action was and turned her talents to good use. As a result, there is hardly an inch of the museum that has not felt her initiative and skill. She served as assistant to the director for many years. One director said on Eileen's retirement that on numerous occasions she guided his faltering footsteps, reassured him, scolded him, and inspired him. She retired from the staff in 1976 but continued as a volunteer until her final illness.
Eileen and her husband, William, shared a passion for the sea and sailing. They traveled to Norway, the Pacific Islands, Australia, and many other places, always by water. They sailed their own boat, Black Arrow, extensively on the eastern coast. Together they encouraged the next generation of sailors through participation in youth programs at the Seaport and at Ram Island Yacht Club.
Eileen and Bill shared a concern for their community and helped raise funds for the new addition to the library. Eileen was known for her abilities as a hostess and during the Cold War. Eileen and Bill welcomed into their home British naval officers working in collaboration with projects at Electric Boat. Enduring friendships were established between Bill and Eileen and the British officers and their families. Visits continued into the 1990s.
She is predeceased by her siblings, Thomas, Doris, Florence, and John.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Greenmanville Church at the Mystic Seaport with a reception immediately following in the River Room of the Seamen's Inne.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Eileen may send donations to either the Mystic Seaport Museum or Mystic-Noank Library.
To share a message of remembrance or condolence with her family, please click the link below.