Enfield – Eileen D. Priest, 92, passed away at St. Joseph Hospital on Friday, January 27, 2023, after a brief illness. Eileen was born in Machias on January 9, 1931, the daughter of George and Corice (Harmon) Wallace.
Eileen was a graduate of Mattawamkeag High School, class of 1949. After high school, Eileen attended Aroostook Teacher’s College in Presque Isle for three years and then transferred to University of Maine Orono, for her last year of school, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and she went on to spend 38 years teaching first grade and was very proud of that milestone.
On June 25, 1971, she married Bryce Priest and they spent 34 years together until his passing in 2005.
Eileen devoted a lot of her time to the United Methodist Church and served in many capacities. Her favorite role was organizing monthly public suppers and enjoying the fellowship that brought. Up until the pandemic, Eileen was still attending church in Orono where she made some great friends.
For 64 years, Eileen ran B&E Evergreens, a family wreath business. She was known far and wide for the most beautiful wreaths around. At one point, she was shipping wreaths all over the world. Every year, on the first day of tipping, Sandra would plan a ‘tippin’ party while she and the family went out gathering tips for the season. The centerpiece on the table always consisted of a handful of balsam fir. She also enjoyed sailing, bird-watching, swimming (she wanted to be the first one in and the last one out of the water), snowmobiling, traveling, and family gatherings. She did all of these activities with a cup of coffee in hand. It didn’t matter if the coffee was fresh, a little past due, or should have been dumped out (“just warm it up”), she loved her coffee.
Eileen will be deeply missed by her nephew (who was just like a son) Paul Wallace and wife Sandra; grandchildren Ryan Priest and wife Cecelia, Aaron Priest and fiancée Christian, Dylan Harvey and wife Lisa, and Christina Wallace; great-grandchildren Bryce, Izaiah, Ruthanne, Tyler, Arianna, Isaac, Jaxson, and Catherine; special friends Roger and Laurene Windsor, Sid Russell (who also was like a son) and wife Mary Ellen, and her honorary family Pius, Adwoa, Karisse, and Jeremiah. She will also be missed by her loyal daytime companion, Paris.
In addition to her parents, Eileen is predeceased by her husband Bryce Priest, son Dwight Priest, brother Paul Wallace, Sr., sister-in-law Althea Wallace, cousin Mary Wallace, and great-granddaughter Kathleen Priest.
The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff in the ICU at St. Joseph Hospital, to Dr. Joanmarie Pellegrini, and to Dr. David Koffman. The compassion and care they extended to Eileen and to her family went above and beyond all expectations.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10-11 AM Saturday, February 4, 2023, at the Lamson Funeral Home, Clay Chapel, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. Immediately following calling hours, there will be an 11 AM funeral service conducted by Pastor Steve Smith. Interment will take place in the Spring at Lowell Cemetery. A time of fellowship will follow at the American Legion Hall, 3 Fleming Street, Lincoln. Donations in her memory can be made to the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) at this link: https://umcmission.org/give/. Messages of condolence may be expressed at Eileen’s Book of Memories at www.lamsonfh.com.