Ethel "Sissy" Eagan

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother, Ethel Marie “Sissy” Eagan, affectionally known as “Mommom”, passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, at the Hospice of the Chesapeake in Pasadena, Maryland.

Born on April 3, 1927, in Washington, D.C., Sissy was the second of four daughters born to William and Alice Newheiser. She grew up on Capitol Hill, where she attended St. Peter’s Grade School and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School.

On July 5, 1947, she married Raymond M. Eagan at St. Patrick’s Church. Together, they raised six children and built a legacy that grew to include 17 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild, welcomed just last year. After spending time in Puerto Rico early in their marriage, they returned to Washington, D.C., lived briefly in Syracuse, NY, and eventually settled in Maryland.

After raising her children, Sissy began a second career as a school secretary. She worked at Our Lady Queen of Peace in Washington, D.C., before serving at St. Mary’s in Landover Hills and St. Bartholomew’s in Potomac, Maryland.

In 1977, Sissy and Ray purchased a home in Naples, Florida, where they spent 25 wonderful winters together. After Ray’s passing, Sissy continued to live in Florida, often surrounded by visits from her loving children and grandchildren.

Sissy had a deep love for her car, which provided her with independence as she traveled throughout Maryland to visit family and friends well into her 90s. She enjoyed puzzles, knitting blankets for her great-grandchildren, and quilting in her later years.

Sissy was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Eagan; four of her children: Marty Eagan, Tim Eagan (Leigh), Kathy Landon (Skip), and Chrissy Hendricks (Bill); and sister, Buddy Bannigan. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ellen Gillenwater (Chad); her son, Mark Eagan (Karen); her sisters, Mary Brooks and Margaret Klotz; and a large, loving extended family.

Visitation will be held at Beall Funeral Home in Bowie, Maryland Friday, April 11 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 12th at The Sacred Heart Chapel in Bowie, Maryland at 12:30 pm. Burial will be held at Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sissy’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.