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.