Catherine M. (Melle) Eagan, 91, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her
Family on July 13, 2017. Born March 16, 1926 in Pittsfield, she was the daughter of the late
Francis and Lillian Melle.
Catherine (Kit) attended Pittsfield Public Schools and earned an Associate degree from
Berkshire Community College and a Bachelor’s degree from the former North Adams State
College. She was a long time science teacher at St. Mary’s and Reid Middle School. She was a
devoted educator and student and would often counsel family and friends on the value and
power of education. The passion to learn continued into retirement as she was a voracious
reader. After retiring, she found time for golfing at GEAA, skiing at Jiminy Peak and Greylock
Ski Club, and ice skating with friends and family.
Catherine married on June 14, 1949 her beloved husband, William J. Eagan, who pre-
deceased her in 1999. Both she and her husband worked for GE in the Drafting Department.
She has two sons William F. Eagan and Michael T. Eagan and daughter-in-law Ellen M.
Eagan all of Pittsfield. She was pre-deceased by her daughter Dr. Sharon M. Eagan of Boston
and her brother Francis (Bud) Melle formerly of Lenox.
Catherine was a loving grandmother to her grandchildren: Kristin M. (Eagan) Brogan and her husband Tony Brogan of Pittsfield and Michael J. Eagan of Pittsfield. She was very
thankful for all of their help and was proud of them for making learning and education a
priority in their lives. She also has two great grandchildren, Connor and his baby brother
Jace who was born in May of this year. She loved spending time with all of her family which
included nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She held strong life principles and would often say: family first, work hard, take advantage of all educational opportunities, it isn’t about what you make it’s about what you
save, and last always remember that true success is not measured by the level one attains but by the obstacles one had to overcome. She remained vibrant and independent for much of her life but graciously accepted help from her family. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Catherine’s caregivers: Maureen, Nancy, Diane, Kim, and her Hospice tam, Lori, Sue, and Brenda for their excellent care.
In 2003 (77 years old) Catherine wrote a poem for her five aging women friends to reflect on their annual holiday party:-

Tummies filled
Dressed to kill
Six ancient Dames
Toast the Holiday with different names
Merry Christmas
Buon Natalie
Wesotych Sweat

Eight P.M.
The party ends
Fuzzy slippers-comfy robe
Mug of tea-pills all three
Aspirin-Motrin-Vitamin C

Head on pillow-smile on face
Thank you for
Reserving my place.


FUNERAL NOTICE:
Catherine requested that the family hold a private celebration of her life at a later date.
For those wishing, donations may be made in her memory to Moments House, 2 South
Street (Suite 120), Pittsfield, or to HospiceCare in The Berkshires, 877 South Street, Pittsfield.

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