WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. Ann Elizabeth Eaton passed away on March 2, 2021, at age 85 after a courageous, years long battle with breast cancer. 

Ann was born May 22, 1935, in North Adams, Massachusetts, the daughter of Frank Howard and Anna Elizabeth Purtell Eaton. 

Ann attended Williamstown public schools, graduating from the former Williamstown High School in 1953. She received both her Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, and a Master's degree in Education from Boston University. 

The majority of her working life was spent as a Human Resources specialist including Assistant Director of Human Resources at the former North Adams Hospital and later as Compensation and Benefits Manager at the Mclean Hospital, Belmont. 

Ann had a keen interest in politics and local government. She served on many South Hadley boards and committees. She was an elected Town Meeting Member soon after becoming a resident. She was appointed to the Town Personnel Committee and the Master Plan Implementation Committee. She dedicated much of her time to Democratic causes as a volunteer on countless campaigns for local, state and national candidates. She was elected multiple times to serve as a Delegate to Massachusetts Democratic Conventions and was a long-time member of the South Hadley Democratic Town Convention and Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts. 

Ann was a founding member of Food for Friends, delivering food to residents of Granby, South Hadley and Chicopee. She was a true champion of the "underdog" throughout her life. While living for many years in Williamstown, she served on the

board of the North Adams State College Foundation, serving as President from 1986 to 1989, receiving the Greylock Award for her distinguished service. Ann had an innate ability to make friends wherever she lived. Her loyalty to her friends was complete and has been repaid many times during her most recent illness. Our family is forever grateful, especially for her dear friends Margaret Molloy and Lisa Gell. 

Ann was predeceased by her parents and her beloved nephew Michael Eaton. She is survived by her sister Ellen Urbano, of Northampton, her brother Frederick Eaton and sister in law Jean Eaton of Ft. Myers, Fla. She is also survived by her nephew David Eaton and his wife Elizabeth Eaton of Franklin, Tennessee, grandniece Madeline Eaton, also of Franklin, and grandnephew Christopher Eaton of Cleveland, Ohio. 

A memorial service will be held in the Spring at a date to be determined.

Contributions may be made to Food for Friends or the food bank of your choice. Arrangements have been made by Curran-O'Brien Funeral Home, 33 Lamb Street, South Hadley and condolences may be made to curranobrien.com.