Obituary published on Legacy.com by Autumn Funerals - Bend on Jun. 19, 2025.
It is with heavy but grateful hearts that we announce the passing of Vera "Molly" Louise
Hager, age 93, on June 4, 2025 in
Bend, Oregon. A beloved mother, grandmother, great
grandmother, and great-great grandmother, her legacy of love and laughter lives on
across generations.
Born in Magelang, Indonesia on July 24,1931, Molly dedicated her life to her family,
faith, and was the radiant heart of her home. She was a longtime member of her church
and sang in the choir - a voice that brought warmth and spirit into so many Sunday
mornings. Her love of music extended far beyond the pews; whether it was dancing with
loved ones or humming along as she cooked meals for her big family, her life was
always set to a beautiful melody.
Passionate about reading, Molly turned her home into what can only be described as a
private library. Every room - even the kitchen and the bathroom - housed shelves
brimming with books. From novels to poetry to National Geographic's, she was
insatiably curious about the world and always sought knowledge and stories that tickled
her mind.
Molly also had a boundless love for animals, especially elephants and the many
beloved pets she cared for over the years - including dogs and a cat who held a special
place in her heart. Her affection for all creatures great and small reflected the warmth
and compassion she shared so generously with the world.
As a mother to nine children, she poured her boundless energy into raising them with
care and joy. Once most of her children were grown, she ventured into the workforce
and proved just how unstoppable she could be. From office work to excelling in retail
sales - rising to the role of buyer - she balanced ambition with kindness at every step.
She worked tirelessly until retiring at age 79. Molly was known for being "full of life" in
every sense of the phrase - her warmth brightened every room, her laughter was
contagious, and her strength was the glue that held her family together. Whether it was
singing in harmony, dancing in celebration, or sitting surrounded by family - she showed
us how each moment matters when it's filled with love.
Left to celebrate her extraordinary life are her nine children and spouses: Rose Combs
(Wayne Combs), Frans Hager (Marilyn Hager), Paul Hager (Gina Hager), Mary Carlson
(Kurt Carlson), Rick Hager (Kim Hager), Gerry Hager (Yvette Hager), Gina Cantin (Jim
Cantin), Stephen Hager (Eve Hager), and Audrey Hager, along with 19 grandchildren,
35 great grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren, and countless other friends
and loved ones who adored her. She is predeceased by her husband, Dr. Richard W.F.
Hager, her parents Christoffel Tersteege Deykerhoff and Melanie Forbes de
Timmerman, her sister Ottoline Wilhelmina Chattelin, brother Henri Eduard Tersteege
Deykerhoff, and son-in-law Anthony Garcia.
A Funeral Mass honoring Vera "Molly" Louise Hager will take place on Saturday, June
21st at 10:30AM starting with a Rosary followed by the Mass at 11am, at St. Francis of
Assisi Historical Catholic Church at 599 NW Lava Rd,
Bend, Oregon. For her friends
and family in California, a Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 26 at 9:45am
starting with a Rosary followed by the Mass at 10am, at St. Catherine of Alexandria
Catholic Church at 17400 Peak Ave, Morgan Hill, CA. For those who wish to celebrate
her beautiful legacy, donations may be made to the Reach Out food pantry in Morgan
Hill, CA at https://stca.org/reachout, the National Wildlife Federation, or the Smithsonian
Institute. Any cards of condolences can be sent to 61176 Fircrest Knoll,
Bend, OR97702.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vera, please visit our floral store.