Marjorie Hagerman

Charlottesville Marjorie Troller Hagerman, August 5, 1936 - October 10, 2025

Marjorie Troller Hagerman, long-time resident of Athens, Ohio passed away in Charlottesville, Virginia, on October 10, 2025. Her 89 years spanned major moments in American history which defined and inspired the course of her life: the Great Depression and the Second World War; second-wave feminism; and a sports world eager to embrace nutrition as a way to enhance athletic performance. She led a loving and joyful multi-hyphenate life: highly regarded teacher at both the junior high school and university levels; accomplished professional in nutrition science; skilled maker of hand-sewn, spun and woven garments and art; and, always, devoted and loving wife of Fredrick "Fritz" Hagerman and Mom to her 3 children Kris, Erik and Bonnie.

Marge, as she was known to family and friends, was born in Hartford, Wisconsin to John B. and Bonnie Whereatt Troller. She attended the University of Wisconsin at Madison, graduating in 1958 with a degree in Home Economics. Upon graduation she began teaching homemaking at Parcells Junior High School in Grosse Point, MI, where she met and eventually married the school's physical education teacher, Fritz Hagerman. A job as an extension agent for Delaware County, Ohio helped support the couple as Fritz pursued his doctorate at Ohio State University.

By 1964, twin sons, Erik and Kris had arrived, and shortly thereafter, the family relocated to Dunedin, New Zealand for two years where Marge learned how to hand-spin wool yarn, a hobby she would enjoy for the rest of her life. After their international sojourn, the family moved (sight unseen) to Athens, Ohio in 1967 and two years later, daughter Bonnie was born. Marge was a stay-at-home mom until 1976 when she returned to the work-force in a part-time capacity for the Athens County Community Action Program. She held that position until she decided to return to graduate school, one of many American women during the time who went back to school and/or work after raising their families. After surviving organic chemistry she earned her M.S. in Human Nutrition and Food Science with a minor in Zoology, graduating in 1983 as a Registered and Licensed Dietician. After stints at Hickory Creek Nursing Center and Hocking Technical College, Marge assumed a post at Ohio University, directing the Didactic Program in Dietetics and Chairing the Foods and Nutrition Department. She taught a variety of courses, including Sports Nutrition. She was well-positioned to teach the latter class, having worked as a dietician for the United States Olympic Committee, U.S. Rowing, the Cincinnati Reds, and the Florida Marlins. Her contributions were so appreciated by the Marlins that she earned her own ring when the team won the World Series in 1997.

Even as she balanced family life and work, Marjorie embraced her creative side spending joyful hours sewing, spinning, knitting and weaving. During retirement she added gardening and a fervent devotion to LeBron James and the LA Lakers, and treasured time observing wildlife from the home she designed on Rock Riffle Road. In her later years she spent winters in Charlottesville, VA, ultimately moving there full-time, even as she continued to cherish her Athens friendships and her church from afar.

Marjorie Troller Hagerman is predeceased in death by her parents, brothers Robert and John, and her beloved husband, Fritz. She is survived by children Kris (wife Marian), Erik, and Bonnie (husband Marc), and grandchildren Cole and Paige Hagerman and Jake and Alison Selverstone.

Donations can be made in her honor to Ohio University's Marjorie Hagerman Scholarship by visiting give.ohio.edu/tribute. Click the Designation box and search for Hagerman, or send a check made payable to "Ohio University Foundation" with the fund name in the memo line to: The Ohio University Foundation; PO Box 869; Athens, OH 45701.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in spring 2026.

Marjorie Hagerman