Barbara Hagelin

1934 - 2024

Barbara Hagelin obituary, 1934-2024, East Otis, MA

Barbara Hagelin

1934 - 2024

BORN

1934

DIED

2024

Barbara Hagelin Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 29, 2024.
Barbara Jean Riley Hagelin ("Barb", "Bobbie") passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024 in her home on Otis Reservoir. Barb is predeceased by her beloved husband Robert ("Bob") Hagelin. Barb is reunited with Bob, her lifelong teammate after passing on the day of their 68th wedding anniversary. She is survived by her children Scott, Keith, and Bonnie and their spouses Elaine, Pauline and Ray; her grandchildren and spouses: Eric and Nicole, Kristina and Alex, Justin and Kayla, Casey and Ben, Kevin and Abear, Dan and Shanta, and Sean. Great grandchildren: Cohen, Colette, Link, Fox, Fray, Hopper, Quill, Felix, Levi, Henri, and Max.

Barb was adventurous, creative, athletic, and competitive. She was a true talent who was skilled at water skiing, snow skiing, swimming, scuba diving, bowling, horseback riding, cooking, sewing, crafting, writing, photography, and piano playing. Her adventurous spirit led her to years of camping, boating, and traveling (Barb and Bob traveled the world together). Whether baking homemade pies over a campfire or embroidering a handmade gift, Barb consistently used her talents to bring joy to others. She was a patient teacher who was gracious with her time and knowledge. She certainly taught lots of people to water ski in her lifetime!

Music was a huge part of Barb's life. She excelled as a pianist and formed a band, "The Old Fashioneds" that would travel for years volunteering to bring joy to nursing home residents. She then continued on to volunteer many hours of her time playing piano for local school choral groups, local restaurants, family and friends, and even entertaining boaters on the Otis Reservoir.

Barb grew up in West Hartford, Connecticut with her older sister Gertrude ("Trudy"). Her childhood home was across the street from a baseball field and Barb would frequently fill in when the boys needed an extra player. Baseball and the Boston Red Sox became pillars of Barb's life. She was a relentless Red Sox fan and enjoyed watching their games with family and friends.

Much of her younger years were spent at her grandparent's farm in Gilbertville, Massachusetts. She built her love and respect for animals at a young age, learning to milk cows and care for the animals. Barb's tenderness toward all creatures continued throughout her life - her bird feeders were always full, her pockets were full of peppermints for horses, and treats were always plentiful for the dogs.

In her later 50's she decided to learn how to ride horses. She became an accomplished equestrian in a short time, successfully competing in show jumping for years. Later on, she decided to try her hand at training a miniature horse "Lil Dude" to pull a cart. The two would have years of fun and adventure together often sporting handmade costumes Barb made for them both to meet every occasion with flair.

Barb worked at Bell Telephone Labs after earning her Associate's degree at Centenary Junior College. After a blind date in 1955 revealed a shared love of starting the day with black coffee and ending it with a scotch on the rocks, she married Bob and they became teammates for life. From their marriage in 1956 until the very end, they were partners and best friends. Whether photographing African safaris or water skiing in coordinated costumes, whatever they did, they did it together. Barb was a wonderful cook (which Bob sure appreciated!). Her famous peanut brittle never disappointed and was distributed all over every year to so many families near and far. Her ever-present companion, Bob was there through it all, whether attending her concerts (despite his notable lack of rhythm) or shelling a seemingly infinite amount of peanuts by hand and delivering all the packages.

Barb and Bob's love of the water drew them to lake vacations with the family every summer, tenting and boating. Barb and Bob would eventually settle in East Otis, lakefront on Otis Reservoir where they lived out the last 36 years of their lives surrounded by an amazing community of friends and neighbors. Their house was always open and welcomed all who showed up. So many great memories were made here.

Despite Barb's many accomplishments, her proudest achievement was always her family. She raised three children, loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly, and treated everybody who entered her home with kindness and never-ending homemade cookies. Barb was full of talent, drive, and kindness. Her tenacity and generosity will be missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at their home at 71 Kibbe Point Road in East Otis, MA on Saturday, December 14th. Beginning at 2pm, we will pay tribute to Barb by giving all those whose lives were touched by her the opportunity to share and listen to stories followed by a toast. From 3-5pm, we will continue to gather and celebrate her life. Just like when Barb and Bob were with us, the doors to the Hagelin home will be open for anybody who wants to stop by.

"Enjoy what you have - right now! This very minute!
Tell all those you love that your life is better because they are in it"
-"Barbara"-

Sign Barbara Hagelin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 6, 2025

Ann Charbonneau posted to the memorial.

December 14, 2024

Renee Vogellus posted to the memorial.

December 12, 2024

Ann Charbonneau posted to the memorial.

7 Entries

Ann Charbonneau

May 6, 2025

I was just thinking of Barb, which actually happens a lot. She was in my thought's as her Birthday approaches. I missed her and thought of her many times throughout the winter months. We loved sharing our bird watching stories and just reminiscing.
I can't say it enough, she was a very special person.

Renee Vogellus

December 14, 2024

I was lucky to have known Barb through our love of horses. Barb and Dude had a special bond. She brought joy to many sharing Dude´s cart rides. You could not help but have a smile on your face in the presence of Barb.

Ann Charbonneau

December 12, 2024

I consider myself blessed to have met Barb almost 45 years ago. We met at the horse stable and just instantly connected. I don´t want to go on too long here. This is really tough because she was one of those special friends, she was the kind of friend you never think is out there. The kind that never talks bad about anybody, she graciously shares her toys .
We shared many laughs over the years, whether it be me running off the trail with the snowmobile and Barb having to help dig me out. Or the time we were in a flat class together at a horse show and we were messing up badly and couldn´t stop laughing to the dismay of our trainer, just a lot of silly things. I will totally miss having our conversations about wildlife and birdwatching. She had so many talents from sewing to riding to Watersports whatever she wanted to do and she did everything so well and how can I forget her photography and she was so humble it took me years to realize how many talents that she had.
I certainly cannot end this without mentioning her most wonderful husband, Bob I lovingly called Captain Bob. I can´t say enough, how blessed and thankful that I am to have known them both.
Ann Charbonneau

Dee Polzer

December 3, 2024

Barb is smiles and wit and wisdom. Every afternoon spent in our chairs watching birds, boats and sunsets was so very special. Barb was so very special to me. I´ve been truly enriched by her. Thank you Barb. Forever in my heart.
Dee

Mike Allison

December 1, 2024

When I think of Barbara I remember overflowing generosity, her big smile and loving to laugh. Plus ACTIVITY! We never sat around doing nothing - because being together was doing something in its own right. I miss her and Bob, and all of their offspring. Being related to the Hagelins was a true gift of life for me and my family. I feel grateful to have shared such wonderful times together, including sharing of holiday cards and other ways of being together. She and Bob blessed us all. Mike Allison

Mike Allison

December 1, 2024

Sharing condolences... I have such fond memories of the Allisons and Hagelins and other families coming together to water ski, do other outdoor activities, and laughing together.

NANCY K

November 30, 2024

This beautiful obituary is truly a lovely tribute to an extraordinary woman! Barb was an amazing person and she added immensely to our lives. We were so fortunate to call both she and Bob neighbors and friends-angels on earth for sure. May time replace your sadness with joy in knowing how exceptional she was in creating wonderful memories for so many of us. Sincerely, Nancy and Andy

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Sign Barbara Hagelin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 6, 2025

Ann Charbonneau posted to the memorial.

December 14, 2024

Renee Vogellus posted to the memorial.

December 12, 2024

Ann Charbonneau posted to the memorial.