Shirley Eagan

MADISON-Shirley Elaine Eagan passed away on January 30, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin at the age of 94. She was born on October 29, 1922 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the daughter of Rupert (Happy) Denning and Elsa Denning (nee Paske).

She married William F. Eagan on March 12, 1949 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. They lived together 61 years in a number of locations in Wisconsin, including Elm Grove, La Crosse, Appleton, Freedom and Delafield as well as in LaPorte, Indiana and Mexico City, Mexico.

As a young woman, Shirley attended Lawrence University and Layton School of Art, starting her career at Smart-wear Emma Lang in window display. At home, she raised three sons, volunteered at the library and created artwork in a variety of mediums.

Shirley designed an annual Christmas card ornament for friends and family from 1964 to 2015 which were often made out of recycled materials. She lived in her palette, surrounded by an interesting assortment of folk and Mexican art. She often attributed her long life to tap dancing and dogs.

Shirley is survived by three sons, Patrick Eagan (Middleton, Wisconsin), Mitch Eagan (Portland, Maine) and Tracy Eagan (Stoughton, Wisconsin); six grandchildren, Gavin, Brendan, Max, Evan, ZiWei and Ting; and two great-grandchildren, Aidan, and Juniper. She was preceded in death by her husband William F Eagan, and her sister Eileen Hocevar.

She was loved and well cared for by her family and by the Oakwood East staff where she lived.

A memorial is being planned. Memorials are appreciated and can be donated to the Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan ( https://www.jmkac.org/join-give/donate )."

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406