Eileen Minte, an accomplished psychologist and education consultant, who served on the board of directors at The Center for Grieving Children for six years, died Monday after a long illness. She was 63.

Mrs. Minte, of Scarborough, lived and worked in White Plains, N.Y., for several years before moving to Maine in 1996. Here, she immersed herself in her children’s lives and in the community. She volunteered for the Catherine Morrill Day Nursery and The Center for Grieving Children, both in Portland. She served on the center’s board of directors from 2002 to 2008, and stayed involved with the organization for more than eight years.

Additional Photos

Eileen Minte, a dedicated volunteer for The Center for Grieving Children, died Monday at age 63. Courtesy photo

Anne Lynch, executive director of The Center for Grieving Children, said Wednesday that Mrs. Minte played a critical role in its capital campaign to raise money for the new headquarters on Forest Avenue. Lynch said she spearheaded the center’s auction for many years, and volunteered as a facilitator for its bereavement peer support groups.

“She brought great energy to the center. She was very enthusiastic about our mission. She made a big difference,” Lynch said. “It’s very sad. It’s a true loss to the community.”

Mrs. Minte was remembered by family and friends this week as a woman of great strength, courage and perseverance.

She was the loving wife of Geoff Minte and a devoted mother to their four children. Her husband of 37 years spoke openly Wednesday about their life together and the decision they made to pack up and relocate to Yarmouth.

While living in White Plains, Mrs. Minte was a highly respected consultant and psychologist for Connecticut Educational Services and Head Start. Her obituary, which appeared in Thursday’s newspaper, said she worked for numerous other organizations providing leadership and expertise for children and their families.

When the Mintes decided to have children, her focus became family. Then, he proposed moving from New York to Yarmouth, which they did in 1996.

“Moving here was a big deal,” her husband said. “I moved here because I wanted to bring up my family in Maine. She was on board. It wasn’t easy. She had to relocate four kids. It was a lot of transition. It was a lot on her, but we got through it and the kids have never looked back.”

Mrs. Minte had a passion for renovating homes and interior design. The couple did many renovations to their homes through the years.

She became involved in the community and was a fixture at her children’s games and extracurricular activities.

“She was the person who kept the family glued together,” her husband said. “She was a strong person. She was positive, upbeat and encouraging. She was also direct and strong. She was an advocate for what she believed in.”

Mrs. Minte had many close friendships in Maine and New York. She enjoyed walking on the beach and found comfort in talking with friends. Her husband said she was a loyal friend, one who was also there to listen and lean on.

“She is leaving an enormous void here for us,” he said.

Mourners will gather Friday to celebrate and honor her life. Visiting hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. in Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph’s Church, 673 Stevens Ave. in Portland.

Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at:

mcreamer@pressherald.com

Related Stories