DOVER - Eileen Catherine Shevelin, 78, of Dover, NH, passed away on May 25, 2026.
Eileen was born on October 16, 1947 at York Harbor Hospital in York Harbor, Maine — the daughter of Alfred William and Alice Aurora (Guignard) Shevelin. Theirs was a home filled with joy, peace and love, shared with her Auntie, sister Joanne and brother Tom. Eileen’s father lived by the words, “To thine own self be true,” and he passed those words down to her. She lived life with a passion, always held a special place in her heart for the elderly, enjoyed countless trips throughout the world with family and friends — yet never lost her appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.
Eileen was the proud mother of three children and was further blessed with four grandsons and one granddaughter, who added another layer of love to her life.
A student at Holy Trinity School in Somersworth, NH and St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Dover, NH, Eileen graduated in 1965. She went on to study Psychology and Creative Writing at the University of New Hampshire. From 1968 to 1978 she worked at Berwick Academy, followed by a 25-year career at Prime Tanning Company, from which she retired in June 2002.
In retirement, Eileen devoted seventeen years to volunteer pet therapy with three beloved Golden Retrievers — Jake, Riley, and Brady — bringing comfort and joy to residents at Bellamy Fields, Watson Fields, and Langdon Place. She and Jake also served as Pease Greeters. One of her most cherished days came on July 25, 2012, when Mayor Dean Trefethen proclaimed it “Jake the Therapy Dog Day” in the City of Dover.
Eileen lived as she loved — quietly, generously, and with her whole heart. The joy she brought to others, whether through a golden retriever’s gentle visit or a simple moment shared, was her greatest gift to this world. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.