Memorial: Sunday, September 14, 3 p.m., Emmanuel Episcopal
— from the family of Laura Eagan —
Our amazing, beautiful and talented Laura Tonkin Robinson Eagan – mother of Oceania Eagan Welsh of Seattle and Brendan Eagan of Orcas Island, and sister to Deborah Robinson of Vashon Island – passed too soon from this world on July 27, 2014 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
Growing up in Covina, California, Laura’s love of art and creativity was nurtured early on by her mother and family. Her magical childhood was filled with barefoot wonder, a passion for riding and showing horses, creating works in a wide variety of medium, and playing in the “fairy garden” outside of Santa Barbara.
Laura found her way to Orcas in 1975 and began her career as a sign-painter and graphic artist making a steady impression on the island. Reminiscences of creations made in an old farm-house overlooking West Sound, of spectacular signs, gold leaf, ceiling murals, and scrolling letters live on today. She married Terrance Eagan and together they had children Oceania and Brendan Eagan. As life and relationships changed, Laura continued to fearlessly create and earn her living through her works of art. Whether it be chain sawing a house in half to move it to Deer Harbor, giving new life to a property neglected and overgrown, or laboring over the many artworks she created for island businesses, she had a willingness to show her heart and soul in all that she did.
Rara, as she was named by her grandchildren, cherished nothing more deeply than her family. She poured her heart into the time she was able to spend with her grandchildren while living with her daughter and son-in-law, Chaz Welsh, over the past 8 years. Forever to be held dear is the beauty that she created with her sister Deborah. Witnessing and contributing to the love and magic of Brendan’s marriage to Lulu McNett was a recent high point in Laura’s life. She leaves us with ever-lasting memories and beautiful relics in which her spirit will continue to shine through.
Laura had an amazing ability to surpass expectations with her inner drive. Undaunted by the difficulties she encountered she was proud to leave all in awe, bringing new life to the old and exceptional beauty to the new. She has passed that ability onto her children as well as her grandchildren, bestowing to the clan a gift that will keep giving for many lifetimes. “We fix things!”
Laura’s presence is also missed by her son in-law, Chaz, grandchildren Carlo, Nico and Theo, daughter in-law Lulu, a large extended family, and many others blessed to have called her a friend. In tribute to Laura: Give love to your family, have faith that your hard work will bring rewards, water your plants, take care of your old house and surround yourself with beauty!!
Memorial service with potluck reception in celebration of Laura’s beautiful and loving life.
To honor the beauty that Laura created, select works will be on display. Additionally, the family is creating a book to collect memories from all that she touched. Memories, musings and thoughts can be shared at the reception. Alternatively you may send memories and thoughts via email. For contributions of artwork and relics or financial donations, please reach out directly to Oceania at OCEANIA@BLINDTIGERDESIGN.COM – or – Brendan Eagan at 376-3839.
Laura, your lovely light is missed here on earth. I know your star is shining in heaven.
You always had instinctive style and such a hand with a pen and brush. Laura was a wonderful, fun, neighbor. I had the pleasure of helping her with painting and fixing up her D.H. home years ago.
She always reminded me of a living Mother Nature spirit. A kitchen with fresh bread, a bouquet of flowers and a healthy meal with a glass of spirits.
She gave freely of her wonderful talents and enriched all around her. Her smile and bright eyes were always a gift.
Our heart felt condolences to Brendan , Oceania, Deborah,family and extended family.
Denise and Daniel Wilk
Laura, I remember growing up with Oceania in Deer Harbor and always loving the beautiful home you created and shared with me. I remember vintage linens, kerosene lanterns lighting sleepovers, swimming in your pond, and examining each precious piece of beautiful pottery that was captured in the cement of your patio. You were the only person I knew who covered her tv with a crocheted scarf. I thought you were the height of class and style, an you were.
From my earliest years I remember you as strong, fierce, loving, creative, and passionate for life and family. You left your mark on me I feel blessed to have known you.
Sara Cunningham Farish
Dear Laura; I remember the sunshine in your smiling face and the warmth of your being, your barefoot grace, your long skirts and dresses that you wore so elegantly, your flowers, your flair and passion for creating beauty everywhere you walked or touched; the lightness of your being. I remember your fixer-upper homes that you made into warm, inviting, aesthetic environments with evidence everywhere of your skill and creativity. Your homes were places where all were welcomed, and fed in so many ways besides with just good food – you happened to excel at gorgeous and delicious meals too. You welcomed people. You welcomed life and picked yourself up from the ashes so many times I was sure you were part phoenix.
I remember the beautiful art you made – I remember you as an artist. When I first came to Orcas, Eastsound was graced by the many wonderous signs you made with Terry – after you left, there were never signs that beautiful here again. Eastsound was even more magical because of them, and all you did to class-up our streets and stores. You touched my life in many ways – I’ve always been glad to see you, and hug, and smile with you. You brought sunshine to so many of our lives. We will remember and honor you. I miss your lovely beaming countenance and gracious ways.
Heartfelt condolances to your family and all who loved you, and still do. I hope Lulu and Brendan know that they have one of many local “aunties” here on Orcas.
Love, Sadie Salim
My heartfelt condolences to Laura’s family and friends. I’m quite saddened to learn of her passing. We grew up together, attending the same schools through high school. Rest in peace, dear Laura.
Michael Dearth
Honolulu
i’m very sad to hear that Laura has passed on. I am blessed to have been a friend of Laura and I have great memories of our interesting travels up and down the west coast and across America and a marvelous year spent together on Orcas Island and a little more time together in Atascadero. My condolenses to Oceana and Chaz and kids and to Brendan and family and to Deborah Robinson. Laura was a wonderful creative talented artist with a heart of gold who beautified everything she touched! I’m so happy to have known her and so sad to learn she has passed on! Rest In peace Laura! God Bless