Eileen Ames Cutting

Eileen Ames Cutting of Wakefield passed away on November 15th 2024 at the age of 92. She was born February 6th, 1932, to Weston and Hilda (Wentworth) Ames of Matinicus, Maine.

Eileen attended Matinicus Island's 1-room elementary school, then left the island to attend Oak Grove finishing school where she enjoyed competing in horseback riding. Eileen went on to complete the 5-year rigorous nursing program at Simmons in Boston. It was here that a classmate introduced her to her future husband, Albert ("Al") Cutting. After a cross-country trip with 5 friends, Eileen began working as a Visiting Nurse in Boston and married Al in 1959. 

Married for 45 years, Eileen and Al worked closely as a team in all aspects of their lives- often affectionately referred to as “the committee” by their children. Both altered their careers to spend more time with their children; Al-from an engineer to a Physics teacher, and Eileen- a nurse to a stay-at-home mom. 

Every summer Eileen and Al took all 4 children and their menagerie of dogs, cats, and goldfish glamping off-grid in a "wooden tent" on the island Eileen grew up on. Despite the extra work for her, Eileen wanted her children to experience the beauty and community of where she had grown up.

After her children were grown, Eileen returned to her beloved nursing career and worked in Cardiac ICU, Pediatric ICU, and Rehab. At 68 years of age, Eileen saved her husband by doing CPR -alone for 10 min. in 90' heat-until EMT's arrived.

Together Eileen and Al raised, and are survived by, four children: A. Edward Cutting (M.Ed., Ed.D), Carol Cutting (BSW, MSW), David Cutting (BS) [Barbara], and Brian Cutting (BS, MS, PhD, Dr. habi) [Evelyn]. Eileen and Al are also survived by 3 grandchildren; Jack Cutting (BS, MS, Ph.D. candidate). and Ronja and Moira Cutting. 

Twenty years ago, Eileen sat at the table in her husband Al's hospital hospice room discussing and paying monthly bills, an activity they routinely did before Al went away on a trip. Actually, that WAS what they were doing. Now she has rejoined him. 

Rest in Peace Mom, Love ya Dad. Be Happy Together!