Mary Catherine Shatzell Eash
Mary Catherine Shatzell Eash of Mercer Island, loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away on November 17, 2013 at home surrounded by loved ones. She left behind a legacy of grace, warmth and a generous spirit that touched everyone she knew.
Born to Art and Harriet Shatzell in Hoxie, Kansas in 1926, she was a daughter of the Great Plains in the dust bowl era. Soft spoken yet strong, Mary Catherine was optimistic and forward thinking every day of her life. Mary Catherine majored in Fine Arts at the University of Kansas, where she played in the KU marching band and met the love of her life, Dalton Eash. They married in 1948, following his war service in the South Pacific. Living first in Port Arthur, Texas and later Wichita, Kansas, Dalton and Mary Catherine created a family that was the center of her life. Dalton’s engineering career with Boeing led the family to Seattle in 1968, where they settled on Mercer Island and remained for 45 years.
Mary Catherine found time for many career and service achievements. In Wichita she was a Girl Scout leader and served as PTA co-president with Dalton. Her eye for design led to a lifelong interest and career in interior design. She also served as a Hoxie State Bank director. In Seattle Mary Catherine was a member of the Women’s University Club and served on the Board of Governors of the Washington Athletic Club, where she swam many miles. She was a member of the Seattle Antique League and the Arboretum, and enjoyed many travel adventures with Dalton. Mary Catherine was known for her love of cooking and entertaining family and friends. She and Dalton hosted many memorable gatherings and celebrations.
Mary Catherine is survived by Dalton, her husband of 65 years, son Art, daughter Patti Sue, daughter-in-law Karen, grandson Brian, her sister Sue and many nieces and nephews. All will remember and miss her sweet smile, kindness, warm sense of humor and love of life. A celebration of Mary Catherine’s life will be held at a later date.
