Elizabeth Fagan

Elizabeth J. Fagan, nee Bolognesi, 87, of Iron Mountain, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Belmont Manor in Belmont, MA, with her daughter and son-in-law by her side. She was born on June 27, 1925, in Iron Mountain, daughter of the late Natale and Emma (Contarini) Bolognesi. Known as Betty, she graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1943, and attended Los Angeles Junior College, where she earned a degree in Medical Transcription. Betty met her husband Frederick Fagan during an Atlantic crossing on the Queen Elizabeth II and they married in 1952 in Chicago. The couple lived in Fargo, ND, Boston, MA, Iron River, MI and Perry, NY before returning permanently to Iron Mountain in 1966. Betty worked at the old Iron Mountain General Hospital in high school when her cousin, Adeline Flood, was the Director. She was also employed at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Fargo, Dr. Steinke's office in Iron Mountain, and the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain, where she rose from Ward Clerk to Chief of Support Services. She was a member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church, Friends of the Museum of Iron Mountain, the Kingsford Women's Club, and the VA Women's Club. An excellent cook and superb baker, Betty loved to decorate her home for special occasions. A visiting child once remarked upon entering her home, "It looks like a wedding." She also loved crafts, flowers, reading, and attending auctions. After her retirement from the VA Hospital, she traveled extensively around the world with friends and family. Betty was devoted to her only daughter Lisa, and spent much time with her and her son-in-law Alan in Boston, New Hampshire, Florida and Iron Mountain. Betty is survived by her daughter, Elisa (Alan) Walts of Charlestown, MA; her brother, Patric Bolognesi of Huntington Beach, CA; sisters Gerri (Everett) Doehr of San Diego, CA and Gloria (George) Boyce of Kingsford. She was preceded in death by an infant son, Henry Fagan, and her beloved husband Fred, who died in 1977. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2013, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. The funeral Mass will follow at 2:00 pm at the church. Fr. Daniel Zaloga will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park. A celebration of Betty's life will be held for friends and family at the Chippewa Club at 3:00 pm. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain, and condolences may be expressed at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.