Eileen Bennett McDermott

Eileen B. McDermott, 89, of Portsmouth, former Lowell resident for more than 50 years died Wednesday March 19, 2014 at the Edgewood Centre in Portsmouth following a period of declining health.

She was born in Lowell, MA, Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Elizabeth (Lowney) Sheehan and her loving husband of 56 years John. She was raised and educated in Lowell schools. Eileen was a 1943 graduate of Lowell High School.

A veteran of World War II, she served in the US Navy as a Seaman First Class.

Eileen was a retired police officer for the Lowell Police Department and was a forerunner in those fields usually dominated by men. As a police officer, she investigated numerous child abuse cases and crimes against women and received many awards for her investigative efforts

She enjoyed spending time with family, Rye beach and her joy of painting. She was a member of The Seacoast Artists Association.

Family members include; three sons and daughter-in-law, Jack McDermott of N.H., David and his wife Annette McDermott, of Bedford Texas, and James McDermott of Lowell Ma; a daughter Mary Beth McDermott of Lowell MA; five grandchildren, Colin McDermott of Texas, Nathan and Kela McDermott of Texas, Ryan and Billie-Jo McDermott of Derry N.H., Deborah Brown of Dracut Ma, and Karen Whitmore of Belize; ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild and several cousins.

Eileen was predeceased by her granddaughter Denise Ann McDermott who passed away March of 2014.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Brookhaven Hospice of New Hampshire and Edgewood Centre of Portsmouth for their support in her final days.

Mother, until we meet again, may God Hold you in the palm of his hand.

There are no calling hours. Private Services will be held by the family at a later date. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information, view her tribute or send condolences please go to www.csnh.com.