Eileen (Hagan) Jones

May 23, 1940 – November 24, 2010

Eileen Hagan Jones peacefully passed away on Wednesday evening, November 24, following a brief but valiant battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her immediate family, who were remembering fondly her life and sharing in a pre-holiday family tradition.

Eileen was born in Brandon, Manitoba. She lived in Brandon for her childhood, graduating from St. Michael's Academy in 1958. At school, Eileen was always actively involved with the school council, sports teams and social activities. Eileen then attended Brandon College where she studied teaching. Following graduation, she accepted a teaching position in Winnipeg where she met James Jones, a Texan who was doing post-graduate work at University of Manitoba. In 1961, Jim and Eileen were married and moved to the United States, living briefly in Grand Forks, North Dakota, then in Houston and San Antonio, Texas. In 1974, Eileen, Jim and their four children moved to Doylestown, Pennsylvania, then Hudson, Ohio in 1978 and Toledo, Ohio in 1980. Eileen and Jim returned to Doylestown in 1987 and lived there until 2005, when they returned to Texas, to reside in Austin.

Eileen led a meaningful life, full of joy, hope and passion. Her family was most important to her; she shared her generous spirit with them every day. Eileen ensured that her nieces, nephews, and each of her nine grandchildren knew that they were very special. She determinedly built a close and individual relationship with each grandchild: Laila Drury (13), Liam Drury (11), Callum Jones (9), Jack Jones (8), Finlay Jones (7), Sally Jones (6), Isla Jones (5), Maggie Wright (4), and Eily Wright (2). Eileen was purposeful; she embraced every day for the potential that it held. She was an active volunteer in her communities and churches; they are richer today for her contributions. Eileen was a successful real estate agent in Hudson, Ohio; Doylestown, Pennsylvania; and Austin, Texas. Wherever she lived or worked, Eileen's generosity and caring spirit touched the people she met and she developed a large circle of friends who loved her and will miss her greatly.

Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Winnifred (Queenie) Hagan; sister, Mary Earl; and nephew, Christopher Earl. She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, James Jones; four children, Erin Drury (Ian), James Jones Jr. (Amy), Thomas Jones (Kirsty), and Kathryn Wright (Marshall); nine grandchildren; and sisters, Sheila Johnson (Allan) and Patricia Hagan. Eileen will be remembered fondly by her family, relatives, co-workers and countless friends.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff involved in Eileen’s care at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The family also would like to thank the nurses, nurse assistants and doctors at Hospice Austin’s Christopher House, where she spent her final days peacefully, in an environment of respect.

A funeral service will take place at St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal Church on Thursday, December 2, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. A reception of celebration will follow immediately at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are directed, in Eileen’s name, to Dr. Milind Javle’s research for gallbladder cancer at M.D. Anderson, or to Hospice Austin’s Christopher House.

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For gallbladder cancer research, visit: www3.mdanderson.org.

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Dr. Milind Javlle's Research.

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