Eleanor "Ellie" Speckman Fagan

Eleanor "Ellie" Speckman Fagan Eleanor “Ellie” Speckman Fagan passed away peacefully on February 18th, 2025. She was born on July 31st, 1940, in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was the oldest of nine children of Col Peter Joseph Speckman (USMC) and Eleanor “Dugie” Reid Greatorex Speckman. As part of a military family, Ellie moved frequently after her birth in Hawaii, surviving the Peal Harbor bombing. Her family lived in Newport, RI; Quantico, VA; Annandale, VA; and Camp Lejeune, NC. After Col Speckman’s retirement, the family settled in Charlotte, NC, in the summer of 1961. There, they became active members of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church community, a faith that remained a guiding force throughout her life. Ellie married the love of her life, James "Jim" Francis Fagan, Jr., USN, and together they embraced the adventurous life of a military family. Their journey took them across the world, living in Pensacola, FL; Naples, Italy; Norfolk, VA; Charlotte, NC; Athens, Greece; Alexandria, VA; and Sun Prairie, WI. As they moved from place to place, they welcomed their six children. In 1973, Ellie faced one of the most significant challenges of her life when her husband, Jim, passed away. With incredible strength and unwavering love, she moved back to Charlotte to raise their six children, ensuring they were supported, nurtured, and deeply rooted in faith and family. Through her example and the support of her large family, she instilled in them a strong work ethic, compassion for others, and the importance of staying connected as a family. Ellie attended East Carolina University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. Ellie went on to dedicate 35 years to teaching at St. Patrick’s Catholic School, shaping the lives of countless students with her faith, kindness, patience, and passion for education. She was not just a teacher but a mentor, inspiring those she taught with her belief in their potential. Beyond her career and role as a mother, Ellie was the heart of her family—a devoted grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was affectionately known as "Yiayia" by her grandchildren, a name that many fondly call her. She was an integral part of their lives, always present for milestones, celebrations, and the everyday moments that mattered most. She participated in parish activities and found joy in serving others. Her dedication to helping those in need extended beyond the church, as she was actively involved in local community service efforts. Later in life, Ellie embraced adventure again, moving to St. Croix, USVI, where she lived for two years. However, her heart remained with her family, and she ultimately returned to Charlotte to be closer to her children, grandchildren, and siblings.

Ellie is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, and her brother, Michael Damien Speckman.

Her children survive her, Giacomo Fagan (Kami) of Matthews, NC, Eleanor “Ellie” Rose (Louis) of Charlotte, NC, Joseph Fagan of  Annapolis, MD, Eileen Jones of Charlotte, NC, Marianne Suarez (Kim E) of Cornelius, NC, Kevin Fagan (Stephanie) of Raleigh, NC; cherished grandmother to Giacomo Fagan and Tori Moen (Giacomo), Louis IV, Ragan, Elizabeth and Wilson Rose and Mary Frances Elders (Ellie), Tara and JJ Fagan (Joseph), Autumn Kern and Capy Suarez (Marianne), Finn and Declan Fagan (Kevin); her siblings, Peter Speckman, Jr. (Diane) of Plano, TX, Mark Speckman (Janet) of Greensboro, NC, Denis Speckman of High Point, NC, Ann Przygocki (Walt) of Denver, NC, Jon Speckman (Nancy) of Charlotte, NC, Timothy Speckman of Charlotte, NC, Patrick Speckman (Susan) of Charlotte, NC. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members, too numerous to list, but all deeply treasured.

A Rosary with visitation will be held from 5:30pm to 7:30pm March 10, 2025, at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28203.

A Funeral Mass will take place 11am March 11, 2025, at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 followed by a reception at 12:00PM.

A private burial will be held in Salisbury National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region and Stand for Animals Veterinary Clinic in Ellie’s honor.

Ellie’s legacy is one of love, faith, and family, a life well-lived and a presence that will be missed.