Earleen MonaghanJune 20, 1927 - April 01, 2017AtwaterEarleen Monaghan, a long-time resident of Merced County passed away peacefully on Saturday April 1, 2017 in her home at Park Merced Assisted Living. She was born on June 20, 1927 in her home in Three Rivers CA to Earl A McKee and Edna B. (Finch) McKee. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and Minor in Education from Fresno State College in 1949. She received her Master of Arts Degree in Music Education from Columbia University in New York in 1950.Earleen developed her early piano skills by accompanying her grandfather, renowned fiddler "Grandpa Finch." She spent her teen years singing and playing piano with numerous dance bands in Three Rivers and the surrounding area.Earleen endeavored to spread the joy of music to thousands upon thousands of students in the Livingston and Atwater schools throughout the years. By sharing her talent and love for music through fun and enthusiastic instruction, many of her students have passed the love for music on to their children.Earleen began her career as the choral music instructor at Roosevelt High School in Fresno and Turlock High School. She taught band and classroom music for the Livingston Union School District and classroom music for the Atwater School District, as well as many years as the director of music at the United Methodist Church in Turlock, CA and the First Christian Church in Dundee, OR. In addition, she played the piano for the New Life Community Church in Atwater, for many many years. Earleen opened her home to provide private lessons to generations of music students. She possessed a true passion for music and music education with the belief that music has the power to enrich the soul. Her family and students remember her ever present positive, fun loving and kind nature.Earleen was married to Daniel Earl Monaghan 1952. Children Mary, Daniel, Frank, and Jim were born between the years 1955 and 1961. Daniel preceded her in death in 1971.In 1979 Earleen was married to Harold March who preceded her in death in 1983.Earleen is survived by her children Mary Monaghan (Jeffrey Stopper), Dan Monaghan (Cathy Lanum Monaghan), Frank Monaghan (Lorraine Kubo Monaghan), Jim Monaghan, and by 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother Earl A McKee II of Three Rivers, CA, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews who loved her dearly.A memorial service will be held on Tuesday April 11, 2017 at 11:00AM at the First Church of God in Atwater CA. Interment will be Wednesday April 12, 2017 at 1:00PM at the Three Rivers Public Cemetery in Three Rivers CA.The family would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Amie Marchini's Home Care, Park Merced and Hinds Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hinds Hospice 410 W Main Street, Suite A, Merced, CA 94340.