Eileen M. Devecka, 93 of Hightstown, NJ passed away on Sunday, December 3 at Meadow Lakes.
Born Eileen Hughes in Malvern, England in 1924, Eileen grew up amidst the turmoil of the post WWI years and the Great Depression. After WWII broke out, she worked for the RAF as a civilian, drafting blueprints for Britain’s secret weapon in the air war against the Luftwaffe-radar. Eileen met her future husband, American soldier Charles E. Devecka, at a USO dance in 1944. The pair married in July, 1945 at St. Wulstan’s church in Great Malvern and after the war they settled in Laurence Harbor, NJ. They welcomed daughter Carol in 1948. Eileen and Charlie moved to Clearbrook in Monroe Twp in 1989; they enjoyed 59 happy years together until Charlie’s passing in 2004. Eileen moved to Meadow Lakes in Hightstown in 2006. A gifted artist, Eileen was a talented painter whose works are beloved treasures of her family and friends. She was also a wonderful cook and an excellent baker, and instilled a deep love for her rich English heritage in her family. Her quiet manner, paired with a quick wit, a sharp sense of humor, and a kind heart endeared her to all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughter Carol and son-in-law John P. Swoboda, granddaughter Stacie Schmidt and husband Harold, grandson John C. Swoboda and fiancée Ariel Selman and great-grandchildren Eddie and Carie Schmidt and Maggie Swoboda.
Calling hours will be held 2pm to 4pm Sunday, Dec. 10 at Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home, 202 Stockton St. Hightstown, NJ 08520. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday, Dec. 11 at 10:30am at St. Anthony of Padua RC church, burial will follow at the Brig. Gen. William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Eileen’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 . Arrangements are under the direction of the Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home, Hightstown.