Obituary of Agatha Eagleson

Agatha Carol (nee Ruch) Eagleson, 89, of Oakland, NJ, passed peacefully at home Wednesday, January 2, 2019 with her beloved children Jane Eagleson and John Eagleson at her side following a short battle with cancer. Born December 12, 1929 in Englewood, NJ to Emile and Eleanor (nee Casey) Ruch, Carol grew up through the Depression and World War II before graduating from St. Cecilia’s High School in Englewood. The youngest of three girls, she enjoyed a lifetime bond with her two sisters Vera A. Ruch and Claire A. Ruch Onda both of whom pre-deceased her. Carol was the loving wife of John “Jack” Eagleson of Nutley, NJ who passed away in 1992. Carol and Jack had three children: Jane of San Francisco, CA; John of Lancaster, PA; and Jennifer who passed away as an infant. Other than Jane and John, Carol leaves two grandsons Kevin and Graham and her daughter-in-law Fiona. After a brief residency in Greenwood Lake’s Awosting community in Hewitt, NJ, the family bought a home in Oakland, where Carol lived for 50 years until her passing.  After retiring from Prentice Hall to raise her children, Carol returned to the workforce for a second career after health issues forced Jack to retire early. She worked at ITT Marlow in Midland Park for many years before the company closed and relocated. Carol then worked part-time with the law firm of Hook, Smith & Meyer in Franklin Lakes.  She enjoyed friendships from both of those workplaces until the end of her life. Carol recalled fondly her childhood and teenage memories. As a “bobby soxer” at age 13, she waited in line for autographs with her sisters and a front row seat to Frank Sinatra, marveling that she was born on the same day as her musical hero. She also experienced a live Glenn Miller broadcast, sparking an interest in music passed on to her children. In her retirement years, Carol kept her mind sharp with daily crossword puzzles, Jeopardy!, and Scrabble games, and enjoyed a passion for old movies. An animal lover, she found joy in the deer and other animals in her backyard woods and from the many cats she fostered. Carol generously provided her children the opportunities she didn’t have and was proud that both of her children earned college degrees and enjoy successful careers.  Carol was an incredibly sweet, caring, and patient person who always enjoyed a good laugh. She was adored by all who knew her and will be missed more than words can tell. Burial will be private by cremation and Carol will be interred alongside her late husband, a World War II Navy veteran, at Arlington National Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Oakland First Aid Squad and the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge in Oakland will be welcomed.