Eileen Joan Aikens

Eileen J. (O’Hanley) Aikens, 79, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 31, 2017 at her home. Eileen and her husband were “snowbirds” for several years after she retired from Gorton’s in 2000 and then became year round residents in Lehigh Acres, FL in 2007. Eileen was born in Port Chester, NY but her hometown was Gloucester, MA where she met her beloved husband, Jim Aikens, when she was 15 years old while working at the State Fish Pier for Codina Fisheries and he was her boss. Eileen told her mother, Emily (Nowe O’Hanley) Stoddard, that she just couldn’t stand “that Jimmy Aikens” and her mother told her “you are going to marry that man”. They married in September of 1956 and had 4 children, Jimmy, Debbie, Glenn and Traci. While their children were young Eileen and Jim enjoyed boating and camping with a large group of family and friends. When their children were grown they discovered cruising and they had a

lot of fun traveling to all the Bahama and Caribbean Islands with their friends. Eileen loved to play cards, bingo and go to the casino. She enjoyed her trips to Las Vegas and Aruba. She especially loved to travel with her sister-in-law Helen (Aikens) Korpi, who was like a sister to her which she treasured as she had only brothers. When her husband was ill for many years, she knew as much as any nurse and cared for him compassionately. After Jim passed away in 2009 she was surrounded by many of her Florida friends, especially her dearest friend Nancy Barrows, who was always there for her and became her social director, keeping her busy with lunches, card games, bingo, bunko and her latest favorite Texas Hold’em. Eileen is now reunited with her husband, James C. Aikens, Sr. who has been patiently waiting for her in Heaven. She is survived by her 4 children, James C. Aikens, Jr. (Heather), Debra J. Aikens, Glenn C. Aikens (Mary) and Traci. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren (Christie (Jeff), Melissa, Shawn, Ashley, Brandon (Jonna), Robbie, Stephanie, Kerri, Stephen and Shannon) and 3 great-grandchildren (James, Tatiana and the youngest Anastasia Eileen) all of whom she loved dearly. Per Eileen’s request there will be no formal memorial. There will be a family dinner this summer in Gloucester for immediate family and close friends to celebrate her life. That date has yet to be determined. Please feel free to leave any comment and/or special memory you may have to be shared with other family and friends. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to the National Cremation and Burial Society.