Nancy K. Hagstrom

1944 - 2025

Nancy K. Hagstrom, 80, a devoted educator, horsewoman, entrepreneur, and beloved mother and grandmother, passed away 11/27/25 surrounded by the love of her family.

Nancy was born on December 6, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Eugene and Virginia (Sanders) Kurtz, and grew up alongside her brother, Ned. She graduated from Piqua High School in 1962. Nancy went on to attend Southern Methodist University and later graduated from Indiana University in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in Education.

On August 21, 1971, Nancy married the love of her life, Geoffrey Hagstrom. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work, family, and service to others.

A gifted and passionate teacher, Nancy began her career as a middle school English teacher in Indiana and later in Pennsylvania. She loved teaching very, very much, and took great joy in helping her students find their voices, discover literature, and gain confidence in themselves.

In 1980, Nancy and her family moved to Brattleboro, Vermont, where she lived until 2019. There, she poured her heart into her horse farm, combining her love of animals and children. She ran a 4-H club and a therapeutic riding center, creating a safe, encouraging place where young people could grow, heal, and learn responsibility through caring for horses. Her passions were always children and animals, and she found countless ways to bring the two together.

Nancy was also an entrepreneur and partial owner of two businesses: Newton Business in Brattleboro, VT, and Interscape Commercial Environments in Hartford, CT. She brought the same determination, creativity, and integrity to business that she brought to her classroom and her farm. Over the years, her work in business was recognized with awards including Small Business of the Year, Best Places to Work in Connecticut, and a Family Business Lifetime Achievement Award.

Some of her happiest times were spent at Spofford Lake, gathered with family and friends. Long summer days by the water, shared meals, and laughter with her extended family were among her most cherished memories.

Nancy is lovingly remembered by her husband Jeff and beloved dog Bailey; three children: Dr. Nathan Hagstrom (Sheila), Julia Kilelee (Kevin), and Joshua Hagstrom (Alla); her grandchildren: Sam (Ericka), Nate (Brooke), Kelsea, Ben, Sara, Mairi, Harper, and Hunter; her great-grandchildren: Caleb, Kleay, Caden, Payton, and Ellie; and her great-great-grandchild, Taytum. She also leaves behind many dear friends and extended family who will miss her deeply.

Her legacy lives on in the children she taught, the riders she encouraged, the animals she cared for, and the family she loved. She will be remembered for her kindness, her steady strength, her sense of humor, and the way she believed in the potential of children and the comfort that animals can bring.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 4th at Centre Congregational Church in Brattleboro, VT.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Nancy's name to the Brattleboro Boys and Girls Club, 17 Flat Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301; or LSO Equine Rescue https://www.lsoequinerescue.com/.

To share a memory or offer condolences to Nancy's family, please visit www.atamaniuk.com.