Eileen Q. Hemphill, accomplished artist
Eileen Quinn Hemphill, 79, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. She was surrounded by her loving family.
Eileen graduated from St. Elizabeth's High School in 1950 and her beautiful voice accompanied many brides down the aisle. She went on to become a well-known artist, known as E. Q. Hemphill. Her work has been exhibited at The National Watercolor Society, Lincoln Center, Johns Hopkins Gallery, Tampa University, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Delaware Center of Contemporary Arts, Center of Creative Art and the Rehoboth Art League. She was a past president and an associate of Howard Pyle Studio Group and The Diamond State Branch of National League of American Pen Women. Corporate and private collectors both here and abroad have acquired her work. Eileen studied sculpture with Charles Park Jr., and Nancy Kissell Clark. Eileen took every opportunity to learn and enjoy art throughout her life.
Eileen was a wonderful wife, mother, “Mimi,” sister and aunt. She was a friend to many. During her illness Eileen was blessed to have her loving family by her side. Eileen is survived by her beloved husband of 56 years, John (Jack) of Wilmington; her daughters, Sheila Miller and her husband Michael, Wilmington, Eileen Riddell and her husband Geoff of Hong Kong; and her sons, John J Jr. and his wife Traci of Newark, and Matt and his wife Liz of Scranton, Pa. Mimi is also survived by her grandchildren, Nora and Bridget Miller, Jennifer Riddell, Michael, Nicole and Ashlynn Hemphill and Maggie, Quinn and Tricia Hemphill. She was loved by her many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Theresa Quinn; and her siblings Tecy Quinn, Rita Szymanski, James Quinn and Martina Quill.
The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Evergreen Alzheimer's Day Center, Delaware Hospice and Manor Care/Pike Creek for their loving care.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Mass of Christian Burial at St. John the Beloved, Milltown Road, Wilmington, at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 18. Friends may call at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home, 1400 Kirkwood Hwy., Elsmere from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday, Dec. 17. Interment will be in St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery, Greenville.
