Maile G. Sagen, 79

Maile Sagen, 79, of Iowa City, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Mercy Hospital. A Memorial Service will be at 10 AM Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at The Congregational United Church of Christ, 30 N Clinton St, Iowa City. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The University of Iowa Foundation for Hancher Auditorium The Congregational United Church of Christ of Iowa City.

Maile was born on February 3, 1936 in Honolulu, Hawai'i, the daughter of James and Genevieve (Buchanan) Lovell. Maile graduated from Punahou School in Honolulu and earned a BA from the University of Northern Colorado. She then graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with an MA in counseling. She worked as an administrator with the Iowa Humanities Board for 13 years, followed by 16 years with the Office of the Ombudsperson at the University of Iowa. She received the University of Iowa Regent's Award for Staff Excellence and the Distinguished Achievement Award for Women. She was also honored with the Distinguished Emeritus Award from the International Ombuds Association.

Maile was a member of the original board of Youth Homes of Iowa City and served on the Iowa Arts Festival Board. She was a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ, the League of Women Voters, and was appointed to the Johnson County Civil Service Commission by the Johnson County attorney, serving 19 years. She was a member of the President's Club of the University of Iowa Foundation and a member of the I Club.

Maile is survived by her two daughters, Debbie Sagen (Tim Davis) of Manitou Springs, Colorado and Kathy (Brian) Thorne of Valencia, California; grandchildren Andrew and Tyler Thorne of Valencia, and Grace Sagen of Manitou Springs; brother James Lovell, Jr. of Honolulu.

Maile was preceded in death by her parents and her granddaughter Emily Thorne.

Maile was a devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all.

Online condolences may be left at www.lensingfuneral.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Iowa City Press-Citizen on Jun. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Maile Sagen

10 Entries

Cynthia Kemp

June 27, 2015

Maile was a very special friend. She will be greatly missed by so many of us. I will miss her wise advice and her wonderful sense of humor. She could always make me laugh.

Dorothy Paul

June 24, 2015

If one is fortunate you have a very special friend. A friend who is willing to walk with you on this long - and proven today - unpredictable road of life. Maile was my very special friend for well over 30 years and she enriched my life beyond measure. We traveled together. We joined our families together and we took care of one another.
Today and forever more, my life is dimished by her death.
It is too unexpected. It is much too soon.

Cindy Barnes Guerra

June 24, 2015

Debbie-I am very sorry to hear about your mom. I have fond memories of the summers we all played tennis. My condolences to you, Kathy and your families.

Valerie Fennell

June 24, 2015

Maile was one of the wonderful ones who welcomed me into the University and College Ombuds group. I remember such kindness from her.

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Lon Moeller

June 24, 2015

I am sorry to hear of Maile's passing. Working with her in the Ombuds Office was a great pleasure, as was hearing Maile's stories about her family and her many travels. We will miss Maile's sense of justice and her commitment to doing the right thing.

John and Marilyn Goodloe

June 23, 2015

Debbie, Tim, and Grace,

Your mother was such an incredible woman. Keeping you all in our hearts.

John, Marilyn, and Leah

Judy Guillermo-Newton

June 22, 2015

Maile was a wonderful, funny, great woman that I was glad to have as one of my M7 friends. I looked forward to our annual visits and will miss her. She spoke fondly and often of her daughters and grandchildren,she was so proud of you all. My prayers are with you.

Laura Kotewa

June 22, 2015

Your mom sounds like an amazing woman! What a full and admirable life story. Wishing you many fond memories as you say your farewells.

Vicky Brown

June 22, 2015

Maile was my very dear and beautiful friend, my mentor, and my role model. She will always be in my heart and I will always smile when I think of her. I'm a better person for having known her. Deepest sympathy to Kathy, Debbie and all her family.

Laura Christensen

June 22, 2015

Deb, I'm very sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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