Erin M. Kallaugher

Kallaugher- Leeds Ma. native, Erin Kallaugher. 61, died at home in Madison Ct. on Sunday September 12, after a long struggle with complications arising from a near fatal auto accident in 2005. Everyone who knew Erin was inspired by her courage, perseverance and optimism in the face of severe adversity, as well as her generosity, compassion and kind thoughtfulness. The daughter of Anne and Bill Kallaugher, Erin attended Leeds School; Annunciation; and St. Michael’s High School. After graduating from Jacksonville University, she taught in the Northampton school system, including at Florence Grammar School. Although she was accepted at Harvard for graduate studies, she chose instead to take a position running a federal anti-poverty program in Burlington, Vt, during the Carter administration. Erin later attended the University of Bridgeport School of Law, from which she graduated second in her class. She was then appointed to two consecutive prestigious positions as law clerk; first, with federal District Court Judge the Hon. Warren Eginton and then with the Hon. William Timbers of the U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals. After several years in private practice, Erin returned to the federal court system as a permanent law clerk to the Hon. Ellen Burns, with whom she worked until her accident cut short the career she loved. Erin loved dogs, mystery novels, rock “n” roll and Christmas. Her Christmas trees, which changed every year and which often took a full year to design and create, not only delighted her friends, and family, they helped others as they were donated to the Ronald McDonald House for auction. Despite her disabilities, Erin served on the boards of directors of Young Heroes Foundation, which she helped to create, and CLOUT Cares, both of which work on behalf of African children. Erin is survived by her husband, Calvin Kurimai of Madison, CT; her brother Stephen of Leeds; her close cousins Mary Scanlon-Flynn and Ed Scanlon, Jr. of Northhampton; and many other cousins around the country. Calling hours will be Thursday Sept. 16, 2010 from 4-7 p.m. at the Swan Funeral Home 825 Boston Post Road Madison Ct. A funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Erin’s name to Young Heroes Foundation, 15 Villone Drive, Leeds, Ma 01053 or http.//youngheroes.org.sz. Please visit www.swanfuneral homemadison.com to leave an online condolence or tribute.