Eileen E. (Gray) Dufresne, 85, passed peacefully into eternity at her home in Lakeville, on October 29, 2024. Born in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Marie (Girard) Gray and sister of the late Barbara Metevier. Eileen is survived by Paul Dufresne Sr., her loving husband of 65 years.

She lived most of her life in New Bedford before retiring to Lakeville 20 years ago. She was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish. Eileen was a graduate of New Bedford High School, attended St Luke's School of Nursing, and took many classes at SMU/UMass Dartmouth. For more than 25 years she served the Board of Directors for the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center as the patient advocate and secretary. Eileen's passion was caring for children. Besides her own seven children she was a foster mother to many, ran a home daycare for numerous years, and would genuinely care for anyone she came across that needed it.

Eileen was a loyal friend and beacon of light to everyone who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness. She walked through life with a gentle strength, touching the lives of everyone they encountered with an unforgettable grace. She dedicated her time and resources to making the world a brighter place wherever she went. A lover of gardening, painting, reading, and most especially spending time with her family. Eileen found beauty in life's simple moments and encouraged us all to do the same. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Bags of Hope and the Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Food Pantry, both causes deeply important to Eileen. Please join us in celebrating Eileen's remarkable life.

Besides her husband Paul she is survived by her sister Veronica "Ronnie" and her husband Ray Cardona of Romana, CA and her children Paul Jr and his wife Jeanne, Marie Duggan and her husband John, John Dufresne, Celeste Dufresne, James and his partner Bernadette, Cindy Blanchette and her husband Todd, Christine Dufresne, Lori Denault, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Her Funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 5th at 9 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 10 AM. Burial will follow in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Monday, November 4th from 4-7 PM.