Ida Eileen Hall née Mason passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 24th at her home in Longwood, Florida following an extended period of ill health. Eileen was born September 22, 1935, in Baltic, Ohio to Carl and Oma (Yoho) Mason. She grew up in Robertsville, OH and later moved to North Canton, OH and graduated from high school there. Eileen's early adulthood was marked by grit, determination, and a sharp wit. These character traits would serve her well as she faced down all of life's challenges that came her way. Early on in her career, Eileen worked as a paralegal for the Democratic Senator from Ohio, Stephen M. Young. While working at Senator Young's law firm, Eileen assisted in his reelection campaign and had the chance to meet President John F. Kennedy. In the midst of the reelection campaign, Kennedy visited Young's law office and shortly after his arrival, Eileen took dictation from Kennedy and transcribed a letter for him.
Following her legal career, Eileen worked as a realtor for several firms in the Canton area and always performed her job admirably. During this time in US history, many women were excluded from the workplace, but Eileen never wavered in her commitment to her children. When times were hard, Eileen, an accomplished seamstress, would create her own outfits to make sure she was always prepared to meet her obligations for the day. Eileen took pride in every aspect of her life, the details mattered. In 1976, Eileen and the family moved to Florida and lived in various cities throughout the State before ultimately settling in the St. Petersburg area where she continued her Real Estate career. Eileen finished her career as an executive assistant and office manager for her son Jim's sitework development firm, The Hall Company. Near the end of her career, Eileen would dress up elegantly and proceed to play crossword puzzles. A fitting ending to a job well done.
More than anything, Eileen cared deeply for each of her five children: Robert, Gregory, William, James & Carla. Eileen's pride and love for her children and grandchildren were a cup that always spilled over. Her love for children was like gravity, always pulling them towards her. She was her family's True North. In addition to the love her children, Eileen impacted the lives of many of her children's friends and other family members. Eileen served as a surrogate mother type for many with her outpouring of love. The impact Eileen made likely had an effect across multiple generations.
Eileen's zest and exuberance for life made her a joy to be around. This was highlighted by many chats about life with her cutty sark whiskey aiding in her wonderful sense of humor. Eileen's intellect during these conversations was evident from the onset. This prodigious intellect and magnetic personality allowed for engaging, thought-provoking, and hysterical conversations that always ended on a loving note.
Eileen was preceded in death by her husband Denny "Jim" Mahlon Hall, her brother Henry Mason, her sister Mary Geneva Arter, her sister Betty Bushong, William A. Brake, and Robert Lowell Holl. She is survived by her children Robert Holl (Betsy), Gregory Holl (Lisa), William "Skip" Brake (Jewell), James Hall, Carla Hall, her brother Carl Douglas Mason, her sister Genelda Bright, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and cousins in Ohio, Maryland, and Florida. Eileen's life was a tribute to perseverance and dignity in the face of challenges that never slowed her down. Her passing leaves behind a legacy of love and a life worth celebrating.
The family will be receiving friends for the viewing on Wednesday, March 29th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at DeGusipe Funeral Home in Maitland Florida. Eileen's funeral service will also be at DeGusipe Funeral Home on Thursday, March 30th at 10 AM followed by her internment at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Winter Park followed by reception at Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park.
Suggested charities in lieu of flowers: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Orlando Health Cancer Institute