Ilene M. Saulsbury was the eighth child born to Melvin Moore and Fannie Barnes in Bolton, Mississippi on December 5, 1931. Ilene was predeceased by her parents; sisters: Fannie, Laura, Mildred, Margaret; brothers: William and Melvin. Ilene's childhood was spent in Bolton, Mississippi. Her primary education was in the Bolton school system and she graduated from Southern Christian Institute in Edwards, Miss. She later attended several institutions of higher learning, eventually earning her Master’s Degree in Social Work. Ilene made her desire to help children the guiding principal of her professional life, and was a social worker in the New Haven Public School system for over 30 years. In 1961, Ilene married Robert H. Saulsbury in New Haven, CT. In 1981, Ilene and Robert became the guardians of their nieces, Rhonda and Roslyn Morrison, who lived with them in North Haven. After her retirement, Ilene sought to further her philanthropic work on behalf of children, by contributing to the Greater New Haven Foundation. She also established the Ilene M. Saulsbury Fund. In addition, she was on the Board of Directors of St. Martin de Porres Academy for over 10 years. She also established a scholarship in her sister, Mildred M. Gettis' memory, at the Westover School in Middlebury, Connecticut. Ilene was a member of St. John's Episcopal Church, and on the vestry for many years. Ilene enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and was always on the phone talking with family and her many friends. She had many hobbies, including quilting, gardening, walking through the neighborhood (carrying her Dog stick for protection). She had a passion for life and championing the little people–she would always say "they are our future!" Ilene was a very special lady and will be missed by her family and friends, most especially her husband, Robert. Robert writes: "Ilene, my lovely, beautiful wife–rest in peace! As our good friend and former coach of L.S.U., Dale Brown says, 'Ilene is now one of God's Angels!' "On June 19, 2015, Ilene entered into eternal peace. She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Robert; Robert Jr., Joanne Saulsbury Boykin; niece, Roslyn; nephew, Ausene; brothers, Frank (Pam), Charles (Pearl), James (Ann), and Bernard.
Services will be held on Friday, June 26, 2015 at 11 am at St. John's Episcopal Church, 3 Trumbull Place in North Haven. Viewing will also be Friday, from 10-11am. Ilene will be buried immediately following the services, at Center Cemetery. The family welcomes friends and loved ones to join us for a repass, following interment, in St. John's Great Hall. Ilene sought to make the world a better place. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ilene M. Saulsbury Fund via the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven, 70 Audubon Street, New Haven, CT 06510. The North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Dear Bob, Rhonda and Roslyn, Words alone cannot begin to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your wife and aunt, leaves behind many wonderful memories which you will recall over the next few days in the company of family and friends. She still walks by your side every day and every time you think of her, she will always be there in your heart. Just know she is at peace with your family of angels, for Heaven is now her home. She will always be in my prayers. May Ilene rest in peace.
I am very sorry for the loss of your dear loved one. Life is a precious gift, yet so short. God has promised to one day soon eliminate death forever, along with all sickness, pain and sorrow. (Rev.21:4) He has also promised to reunite us with our loved ones on a restored paradise earth. The Bible says he longs to do this. (John 5:28,29; Psalm 37:11,29; Job 14:14,15) I hope these scriptures will be of comfort to each of you and bring you peace.
Dear Mr. Saulsbury, It is with great sorrow I write this note to you today as I learned of the passing of your wonderful wife Ilene. A dear friend and confidant to all the Funaros for decades. I will never forget how she was with her students and families, she always took the time to know them through and through! A special woman dedicated to the children of New Haven and everywhere for her whole life. She will be sadly missed. My last conversation with her after the wedding you both so graciously attended, was on May 9th, she called to wish me a Happy Mother's Day! She spoke the kindest words to me as she always did, I will cherish that final chat always! Our deepest sympathy on her loss. She rests in peace in heaven.
Love,
The Funaro Family
Bob and Family:
My sincere condolences on the passing of Ilene. A truly wonderful person who impacted so many lives. She really was s special person and her passing leaves a great void. God Bless you all.
Bob
Miss saulsbury was a fantastic wonderful teacher at Clinton avenue school i loved her and will always remember her and thank her for every thing she did for me when i was a student there back in the 80's she helped me out a great deal she always i will always look up and say thank you miss saulsbury rest in peace god bless you To and always love Vinny Torfason a former student
We all send our condolences and sympathy and thoughts and prayers to Mr. Saulsbury and family and relatives and friends god bless her and may God be with you all always during this time my prayers and condolences and sympathy are with you all my wife and my whole entire family and relatives and friends we all send our condolences and sympathy and thoughts and prayers your way are with you all
I will always thank her and will always remember her always have always will rest in peace Miss. Saulsbury
I did not know her nor met her but her theory of education is so truthful and honest…wish I had the opportunity to meet her….Kathi… .Branford, CT kbk1113@aol.com
I have no words that could better express what it was to be considered Ilene's friend.
Touched by an Angel –
Maya Angelou
We, unaccustomed to courage
exiles from delight
live coiled in shells of loneliness
until love leaves its high holy temple
and comes into our sight
to liberate us into life.
Love arrives
and in its train come ecstasies
old memories of pleasure
ancient histories of pain.
Yet if we are bold,
love strikes away the chains of fear
from our souls.
We are weaned from our timidity
In the flush of love's light
we dare be brave
And suddenly we see
that love costs all we are
and will ever be.
Yet it is only love
which sets us free
Coach Saulsbury… My sisters and I had the pleasure of meeting you and Mrs. Saulsbury through my Uncle, Bob Schreck. I am so sorry for your loss, you were such an enjoyable couple . Sympathies to you and the rest of your family.
Ilene was my aunt. She was a wonderful person. Her contribution to society was almost greater than the lady herself. I miss my aunt dearly. She was like a grandmother to me. She was my grandmother's sister. She filled her role beautifully in my life. I think about my aunt most days. I know that she is at peace and resting in the arms of the Lord. I will NEVER forget all that you have added to my life. What a wonderful example of humanity…
I love you always, Fair…
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE SAULSBURY FAMILY.I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS COACH,MAY GOD BLESS YOU.I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND YOUR WIFE WHAT A WONDERFUL FAMILY.MAY MRS. SAULSBURY REST IN PEACE.