Eileen Gosselin
Click the button below to make a donation in memory of Eileen Gosselin
Published in Worcester Telegram & Gazette on March 26, 2026
Eileen M. (McCarthy) Gosselin, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and devoted friend to so many, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Eileen was born on April 7, 1955, in Worcester, Massachusetts. She was a daughter of the late Roger J. and Ann P. (Stokes) McCarthy, who were both born in Killarney, Ireland. Raised in Worcester, she grew up surrounded by the love of a large family. In 1971, while in high school, she met a young man named John–the beginning of a beautiful love story.
From a young age, she was captivated by the way literacy could impact children. After graduating from St. Peter’s High School, this passion led her to Keene State College, where she earned a teaching degree, followed by a master’s degree in special education from Worcester State College. Thus began a career that spanned four decades, primarily as a kindergarten teacher. She touched hundreds of lives through her work in the Northbridge and Leicester school systems, as well as through her informal teaching outside the classroom, often with even greater impact. Her passion, energy, and joy in nurturing young minds were inspirational, and a delight to all who were fortunate enough to witness it.
Eileen had a unique ability to bring people together, consistently cultivating meaningful relationships with the family of her friends and the friends of her family. She innately prioritized and appreciated the most important moments in life, often celebrating the extraordinary hidden inside the ordinary. Eileen was a selfless advocate and caregiver for many; throughout her life, she effortlessly supported those in need with compassion, commitment, and love. A beautiful soul who will be sorely missed, her essence will live on through those lucky enough to have shared in her life.
Eileen is survived by her husband of 45 years, John Gosselin; her three children, Sean Gosselin, Kristen (Gosselin) Preli, and Meghan (Gosselin) Capobianco; three adoring grandchildren, Viola Gosselin, Isla Preli, and Evan Capobianco; daughter-in-law Megan (McCormick) Gosselin and sons-in-law Robert Preli and Anthony Capobianco; brother Sean McCarthy; sisters-in-law, Mary McCarthy and Marilyn McCarthy; a brother-in-law, John Burkhardt; nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand-nephews. She is predeceased by her parents; her in-laws, Ovila and Viola (Stopyra) Gosselin; two sisters, Maureen Fitman and Ann Burkhardt; two brothers, Michael and Roger McCarthy; and a brother-in-law, Donald Fitman.
Eileen’s family would like to offer sincere thanks for the committed and loving care provided by Betty Pike, RN, Ron Hoffman and the team at Compassionate Care ALS, Dr. Doreen Ho and the team at the Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS, and countless friends and family over the past three years.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 4-7 PM at the Roney Funeral Home, 152 Worcester St., North Grafton, MA 01536. On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1 Cross St., Whitinsville, MA 01588. This will be followed by a celebration of Eileen’s life at Highfields Golf and Country Club, 42 Magill Dr., Grafton, MA 01519. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Compassionate Care ALS, located at P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.