Mary Kathleen Eagen

Mary K. Eagen, age 81, of Easley, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024. Born on April 25, 1943, to William Edward and Alice Patricia Eagen, Mary dedicated her life to both the Catholic Church and the healthcare profession, embodying compassion, leadership, and a relentless drive for service throughout her esteemed career.

Mary earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The California State University and went on to complete her Master of Science in Nursing at Texas Woman’s University. She held multiple advanced degrees and certifications. Her impressive career spanned decades, during which she held prominent leadership roles in healthcare. From 2004 to 2012, she served as the Regional Chief Nurse Executive at CHRISTUS Health Southeast Texas in Beaumont. There, she oversaw nursing, pharmacy, and education for the surgery service line at CHRISTUS Hospitals St. Elizabeth, St. Mary, and Jasper. In 2012, Mary transitioned to Parkland Health, where she became the Chief Nursing Officer & Executive Vice President, playing a pivotal role in shaping nursing practices, fostering education, and ensuring the highest quality of patient care.

Outside of her professional accomplishments, Mary was deeply devoted to the Catholic Church. She spent her early years as a nun, and her faith remained a guiding force throughout her life. In her final years, she found solace and strength in her unwavering belief in the healing power of holy water from the sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in France, a testament to her lifelong spiritual journey. After retiring to South Carolina, Mary found joy in spending more time surrounded by friends and family. She brought happiness to her new-found neighborhood, continuing to spread her light and warmth wherever she went.

Mary cherished her relationships with both people and animals. She was predeceased by her twin brother, William “Billy” Eagen, her brothers Thomas, Michael, and John Eagen, and her mentor, Sister Marie, who was a constant source of companionship and faith in her life. Mary is survived by her sisters, Patricia Burks and Colleen Eagen; her brothers, Edward Eagen and Brian Eagen; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will miss her dearly.

Mary was also an animal lover and had two beloved Goldendoodles: Dixie, who was her favorite and whom she was predeceased by, and Ellie, who brought her joy in her later years.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Cross Catholic Church Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 1:30 PM, where she will be honored for her devotion to both faith and service. Memorials may be made in her name to organizations supporting Catholic charities or nursing education.

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