Eileen Eva Anderson

Eileen Anderson passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, after a brief illness at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Plano, Texas.

Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts in 1931 to Ernestine (Barbeau) and Charles Basiliere,

Eileen grew up alongside her brother, Donald Basiliere. She attended St. James High School in Haverhill and later graduated from Worcester State College. During these years, Eileen showcased her musical talents by playing the organ and piano and began her career as a teacher.

Eileen married Norman Anderson in 1954, after being introduced to her by friends in Boston. The couple enjoyed waltzing and roller skating together, earning several awards in these activities. Eileen and Norm bought their first home in Waltham, Massachusetts but soon moved to Marlborough, Massachusetts where they raised their family. Eileen furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Education from Worcester State College. She served as a Sunday school teacher and became Religious Education Director at Immaculate Conception Parish. Based largely on this experience, Eileen co-authored the book Forming Catechists and eventually worked as a senior editor at William Sadlier Publishing in New York City.

Eileen was dedicated to advancing education, traveling the world to lead workshops and deliver keynote addresses at conferences for parochial educators and diocesan administrators. She played a significant role in helping others adopt modern educational practices and taught courses at various seminaries and colleges, including Boston College.

In 1977, Eileen and Norm relocated to New Jersey to accommodate her work in New York City. During this period, Eileen continued to nurture her passions for music and cooking, attending concerts and renowned chefs’ cooking series. Their home on Lorraine Drive became a gathering place for many family celebrations and parties.

In 1990, the couple moved to Plano, Texas, where Eileen was hired as President to establish Tabor Publishing in Allen, Texas. Eileen and Norm embraced life in Texas, enjoying swimming and gardening, visiting The Dallas Arboretum, and delighting in varied performances at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Frequent trips north also allowed them to vacation at Wychmere Harbor Club on Cape Cod and enjoy visits with extended family.

Eileen retired from Tabor Publishing, which had grown to over 200 employees, and transitioned to part-time teaching at a local community college. There, she pioneered the integration of technology and video conferencing to reach students across Texas. In her free time, Eileen returned to knitting for her children and grandchildren. Together with Norm, she traveled to Europe, visiting countries such as Italy for its cuisine, Austria for its music, and France for its culture.

After Norm’s passing in 2011, Eileen lived independently until 2017, when she moved to Highland Spring Retirement Community.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband, Norman. She is survived by brother Donald Basiliere of Haverhill, Massachusetts; children Lorraine Langille and husband David of Addison, Texas; Charles and wife Suzana (Petrovic) of Belgrade, Serbia; Ellen Geronimo of Monroe Township, New Jersey; and Thomas and wife Elizabeth (Ryan) of Waldwick, New Jersey. She is also survived by her grandchildren Alex Geronimo and wife Ali (Mattia) of Holliston, Massachusetts; Emily (Langille) and husband Nicholas Bendorf of Dallas, Texas; Luke Anderson of Waldwick, New Jersey; Lara Anderson and Adam Anderson of Belgrade, Serbia; and several great grandchildren.

A private funeral mass and rite of committal will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Plain-O Helpers c/o Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano, Texas 75023.