JEAN HAGBERG

December 28, 1948 ~ June 25, 2025
Beloved Wife, Mom, Nana, and Friend

It is with deep sadness and love that we announce the passing of Jean Mary Hagberg, who passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her husband and family, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Jean was born on December 28, 1948, in Port Arthur, Ontario, to Harvey and Ruth Stubbs. On August 31, 1968, married the love of her life, Kenneth Robert Hagberg. Together, they shared 57 years of marriage filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering partnership.

Jean led a remarkable and multifaceted life. She began her professional journey as an Executive Assistant at Timberjack before dedicating herself to raising her family. Later, she worked at Direct Charge Co-Op and eventually became the proud owner-operator of Maki Bay Resort on Lac Des Mille Lacs a cherished family-run business that she and Ken operated for 41 years.

For the first fourteen of those years, Maki Bay was accessible only by boat from Maki Bay Landing. Jean and Ken long hoped for road access, which was eventually achieved via Athelstane Road.

While running Maki Bay, Jean made lasting contributions to the local community. She was actively involved in the Dog River Matawan Citizen Advisory Committee, the Seine River Water Advisory, and the Lac Des Mille Lacs East Roads Committee. She also played a key role in establishing a helipad to support the Campers Association and ensure emergency access to the area. One of her most notable accomplishments was successfully lobbying to have the Dawson Trail from Kashabowie to Lac Des Mille Lacs designated as a protected Heritage Site.

Jean was also known for her many talents. She was a gifted seamstress and knitter, renowned for her beautiful baby blankets, comfort quilts, and meticulous quilt art. Drawing was also a passion.

She had a deep love for travel especially to warm destinations during the Christmas season, which she insisted the family enjoy together. With the help of her son Jeff in planning, she made those holidays possible and was always happiest surrounded by her family, the beach, and the ocean. Jean treasured her trips to Finland, Hawaii, Italy, Greece, France, and Spain and especially enjoyed cruises, always valuing the memories made with those she loved most.

She had a dry sense of humor that was quick, subtle, and perfectly timed a trait that stayed with her to the very end, bringing comfort and laughter even in her final days.

Jean is survived by her loving husband Ken Hagberg; her daughter Kandice Howarth (Wayne); her sons Jeffrey Hagberg (Heather) and Chad Hagberg; and her adored grandchildren Kaity Howarth, Eric Howarth, Michael Hagberg (Taylor), Zach Huston, and Brooke Huston (Dylan). She was a fierce protector and the biggest supporter of her grandchildren in everything they did.

She is also survived by her brother Jerry Stubbs (Kathy); her aunts Eileen Dunnit and Mary Grace ("Mickey") with husband Raimo; along with many other cherished aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

She will be remembered for her fierce love of family, her strength of character, her deep commitment to community, her warm hospitality, and her unmistakable humor. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her spirit lives on in every life she touched.

The family would like to thank the Doctors and nurses at the Thunder Bay Cancer Clinic for their exceptional care, especially nurse Marley Yawney who was with us every step of the way. A special thank you to all of the staff at Para Med for all of their support.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the DaVinci Centre in the Marco Polo Room on Saturday, July 19th, 1-4 p.m. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered at www.harbourviewfuneral.ca