Eileen M. (Raphael) King

On Sunday, May 29, 2022, Eileen Mae (Raphael) King, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away at the age of 89.

Eileen was born in Taunton on the eve of FDR’s election November 8, 1932, the only child of Joseph and Mary (Santos-Thadeu) Raphael.  

She graduated from St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing and Bridgewater State University cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her career as a R.N. spanned 34 years at Paul A. Dever State School.  Eileen served as a board member with AARP and as a member of the Norton Conservation Commission as well as a member of several other organizations.

Eileen had a passion for education and learning.  After retirement, she continued her pursuit of knowledge enrolling in computer, art, and dance classes.  She shared her love of newfound skills painting pictures for her family and friends and teaching her grandchildren the dances she had learned.  

The cornerstone of Eileen’s life was her family and friends.  She welcomed all to spend time with her at her pool overlooking Lake Winnecunnet enjoying the summer sun and camaraderie.  Eileen further enriched her life through travels whether it was family trips in the RV, days at the beach on Cape Cod, or her adventures to the Azores and Galapagos Islands.  Eileen was known for her unabashed honesty, strength and determination, as well as her independent and compassionate spirit.

Eileen is survived by her children Michael & Sharon King, Jo-Anne & Philip Perry, and Gilbert & Kathy King.  Her seven grandchildren Jenifer & Brian Dolan-Robens, Nicole & Jeff Perry-Hastings, Timothy King, Kathleen & Adam Sawyer, Danielle King, Erin King, Heather King and her seven great-grandchildren Madisyn, Ethen, Ayden, Olivia, Eleanor, Quinn, and Emmett as well as several close cousins.

Mrs. King’s funeral with visitation will be held Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 9 am to 11am with a funeral service to begin at 11 am in the Chapel of the Silva Funeral Home 80 Broadway (at Saint Mary’s Square) Taunton.

Interment will follow in Saint Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts made to: Taunton Animal Shelter 821 W. Water St., Taunton, MA 02780 in Eileen’s memory would be deeply appreciated.

For expressions of sympathy, to sign an online guestbook or to light a memorial candle, visit www.silvafuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eileen M. (Raphael) King, please visit our floral store.