ROCKLAND — Eileen Marie (Hare) Nuppula, 77, died peacefully, Friday, November 22, 2024, at Breakwater Commons. A dedicated teacher and avid gardener, she was talented in many things and exemplified self- sufficiency.

Born in Rockland, May 5, 1947, she was the daughter of Charles and Eleanor Shute Hare. She was the second to last graduating class of Rockport High School. She graduated with an education degree from UMaine Orono in 1969 and went on to teach for 32 years.

When her family car broke down, Eileen met Jerry Nuppula as his family stopped to help. This chance encounter led to a lifetime love, sealed with a wedding on April 5, 1969. Eileen and Jerry lived in Concord, New Hampshire and Springvale, Maine, before settling in Hollis. Here, she was a devoted third grade teacher for over 30 years at Waterboro Elementary. She helped start the drama program and the school store. Her detailed planning, and can-do spirit, was a given as was her trusty, bottomless purse.

An avid gardener, she fed her family almost the whole year from her vegetable garden and created a beautiful yard with classic flowers and delightful niches. She was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, cross stitcher, and crafter. Eileen’s baking skills were phenomenal and are missed by her family. She even made her daughters multi-tiered wedding cake. She also sang soprano and played the piano. She passed her love of reading and libraries to her daughter who has passed it onto her grandson (thanks Grammy!).

Traveling with her husband was another favorite pastime. Together they enjoyed big trips to Hawaii and Scotland as well as camping in their camper.

After retiring, Eileen and Jerry moved back to her beloved Midcoast area in 2007. She adored being back and joined the Knox County Association of Retired Teachers (becoming vice president) and the local church choir.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband, Jerry Nuppula in 2008; her brother, Charlie Hare in 2023; and her parents, Charles and Eleanor Hare.

She will be missed by her son, Jeremy Nuppula; her daughter, Kara Nuppula Rubel; grandson Finn Rubel; sisters-in-law, Sharold Bowman and her husband Scott, and Tambra Hare; niece Nychole Hare; nephews, RC Hare, Zachary Hare, Nathan Bowman, and Benjamin Bowman; as well as many cousins and extended family.

Eileen’s family would like to extend a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to the staff and at the Knox Center and Breakwater Common for their compassionate care and endless support over the past few years.

Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, where a celebration of her life will be held Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either your local library, or local school for students in need. To share a memory or condolence with Eileen’s family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.