J. Eileen Munroe

WESTBROOK – With a few months to reflect on my wonderful life, I decided to write my story.

At the age of 81, I passed away on July 14, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by my family.

Born Jan. 12, 1943, in Portland, the fourth child of Daniel Hegarty and Marie Antoinette Leclerc, I was always considered the baby of the family.

We lived steps from Sacred Heart Church, which was the center of our religious and social life, and where I learned God to be number one in my life.

Educated by the Sisters of Mercy, for 12 years, graduating from Cathedral High School in 1960 and to my last day stayed connected to the sisters as a Mercy Associate.

In 1967, I met Father John Munroe and following his discernment to leave active ministry for a life dedicated to marriage and teaching, we were married in San Diego, Calif. in 1969. We were then blessed with two children, Mark Thomas in 1970 and Lara Jean in 1971. Because of my love of Maine and wanting to be closer to family, we returned to our home state of Maine in 1979. I had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom for 12 years and then returned to a career in telecommunications, eventually retiring in 2006.

With a great need to give back in some way all the blessings I had received, volunteer work was calling me. I volunteered with hospice for 15 years. Working with dementia patients and sitting vigil with the dying, I considered this to be one of the greatest privileges of my life.

I was self-taught in many ways and as an avid reader I followed the writings of mystics, theologians and activists. Three of my favorite writers being John O’Donohue; Teilhard deChardin and Elizabeth A. Johnson CSJ. I learned life is about living in harmony with all of creation, loving all as brothers and sisters, finding the gratitude in every day and being at peace in “returning to the home we have never left.” ~John O’Donohue.~

I will miss you all desperately and yet am at a beautiful, grace filled place in my life.

Being predeceased by my parents; sister, Constance and husband Laird Campbell, brother, Gerald Hegarty; nephew, Thomas Moran; in-laws John and Bernie Munroe; I look forward to being reunited with them.

I am survived by my husband, John; children, Mark (Michelle) of Mansfield, Mass., daughter, Lara (Brian) Heal of Gorham; five grandchildren, Katelyn, Shawn (Emma), Jack, Ryan Munroe, John Heal; and great-grandchild, Wes Wallace Munroe; sister, Jean and husband, Robert Moran of Windsor Locks, Conn., sister-in-law, Joanne Hegarty of Easton, Mass., brother-in-law, Thom Munroe and wife Nancy of Mechanicsville, Va., brother-in-law, Brian Cody of Brunswick; and many nieces and nephews I dearly love.

Visiting hours will be held on July 22, from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Pius X Church, Ocean Ave., Portland. An 11 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 23, at St. Pius X Church. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel. To view Eileen’s memorial page, or to share an online condolence, please visit http://www.ConroyTullyWalker.com