Mary Elizabeth E. Monahan
April 18, 1938 ~ December 23, 2021
Born in:
New Haven, CT
Resided in:
Hamden, CT
NOTE: Mary’s Memorial Mass has been postponed until Friday, January 14th at 11:00 a.m. because of inclement weather
Mary Elizabeth (Eagan) Monahan of Hamden passed away on December 23, 2021. She was born in New Haven on April 18, 1938 to the late Frank T. and Mary (Flanagan) Eagan. Mary was predeceased by her two sisters, Carol A. Singer and Susan F. Eagan. She leaves her two beloved goddaughters, Linda C. Nappi of Madison and Alanna A. Kiekel of North Branford. Mary was a member of the first graduating class of St. Aedan’s School in New Haven, then received her high school degree from Lauralton Hall in Milford. She attended New Haven State Teacher’s College, where she received her BS degree, and got her MS from Southern Connecticut State College. She taught in New Haven for 34 years at Benjamin Jepson and Quinnipiac Elementary Schools. After her retirement, she volunteered for St. Ann’s Soup Kitchen and the Hospital of St. Raphael for many years. Mary loved traveling with her family and friends and shared many memorable experiences. She enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, lunches with friends, and watching UConn Women’s basketball.
Friends are invited to attend her Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Ave., Hamden at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 14th. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Office of Radio & Television, 15 Peach Orchard Rd., Prospect, CT 06712. Arrangements in care of Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden.
Services
Mass of Christian Burial: January 14, 2022 11:00 am
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
2819 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-248-0141
I just wanted to take a moment in my tremendous loss to honor Mary Monahan my 2nd grade teacher and life long friend, and Godmother to my daughter who passed away on Dec. 23rd.
I met Mary when I attended Quinnipiac Elementary school in 1989 in New Haven. My mom was a young mother back then doing the best she could when we met Mary. I was just 8 years old but instantly recognized Mary was the type of woman who was strong and earned my admiration and respect instantly. She was different than anyone I had ever met in my life and really made an impact on me at an early age. Mary told me later on in life that saw something in me that she saw in herself and she instantly took a liking to me as well and that’s when our friendship began.
Mary took it upon herself to look after me and even drove me to school to graduate elementary school when we were forced to move. Since then Mary was there for me my entire life; my high school graduation, my college graduation, my police academy graduation my wedding and the birth of my daughter in 2018. She has been my mentor, one of the strongest women I ever met that I shaped myself after and always wanted to make her proud. Mary is one of the people in my life that has done more for me than I could ever repay and I feel such a tremendous loss but I know how blessed I am to of had the absolute privilege to share my life with such a great person, 32 years of friendship.
Mary not only taught me but taught my siblings and cousins. She is loved by my entire family.
Mary made sure I always had enough money for books in college and even started Alanna’s college fund. In the end she was my teacher and loving friend. A true example and definition of a hero to a young child by simply having a big heart and being a good person changing my life.
One of the last times I saw her Dec 6th she was so proud to bring my daughter her Xmas gift that she had put together herself. For some reason I simply felt that I could never let her know how much I loved her so I called and texted her all month long.
At one point she asked me if I found my brain when I had asked her the same question 2x and I said only half and she said keep on looking.
Mary has touched so many people, taught so many students and given the ultimate gift any person can give her time and love. She has taken care of so many people in her life during the toughest times of their life and never asked for anything in return from anyone.
I will never forget how Mary shaped who I am today and I will do everything in my power to carry out her legacy of kindness and strength to those I love.
Mary Monahan my second grade teacher, my hero.
I will always love you.
Always in our thoughts,
Suzanne and Brent Johnson