Dena Marie Hagen

Dena Hagen Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Dena Marie Hagen
Location: St. Vincent de Paul

Dena Marie Hagen

On Thursday, January 18, 2018 the world lost a ray of light when Dena Marie Hagen, 63, passed away at home with her daughter by her side.

Dena was first and foremost a teacher, serving for more than 43 years and never wavering in her dedication to her job. After her daughter, her students were the light of her life. They gave her purpose everyday and kept her motivated to keep fighting. This past year Dena became the school librarian, something that stoked her love of teaching more than ever, working to ignite each student's love of learning and reading.

Dena considered every student as one of her own but her daughter was her true partner in crime. From the time the two met they were thick as thieves; two people so deeply in love with one another's spirit that not a day went by that hundreds of messages didn't fly back and forth. Though they were only gifted 29 years together, they lived many lives: from losing each other on the top of the Eiffel Tower, to road tripping across the US, cruising the Mediterranean, dogsledding in Alaska or, their favorite, laying on opposite sides of the couch, quietly reading - they've done it all.

A personality like Dena's could only come from two people as strong-willed and full of love as Dale and Marie Hagen, shaped further by the unflagging (and often loud) love of her four siblings: David Hagen, Cathy Schmidt, Daniel Hagen and Reka Swinford. She loved listening to family debates, retelling childhood stories and gathering around the table for spaghetti and meatballs. The keeper of many heirlooms, Dena loved sharing family history and was dedicated to making sure the stories live on for generations.

Dena impacted thousands of people over the years through teaching, volunteering, time with friends and her dedication to her family. She loved intensely, in a way that will be felt for many years to come. Her legacy will be carried on by her daughter, Corinna Fabre, as well as her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and anyone who has ever picked up a book because of her encouragement.

Dena wanted her last gathering to be a celebration full of laughter, storytelling and love. We invite you to join us for a mass, followed by a celebration of life, at St. Vincent de Paul in Federal Way on Tuesday, February 20 at 11:00 a.m.

In true Dena spirit, the more the merrier. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Book.

If you knew Dena it was impossible not to love her and you know her memory is best served in this simple way: grab a loved one, find a cozy spot on the couch, pour a cup of coffee and reread your favorite book.

Sign Dena's on-line

Guest Book at www.Legacy.com

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

Published by The Seattle Times on Feb. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Dena Hagen

Sponsored by The Family.

10 Entries

Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary

June 6, 2018

Dear Catherine and Family,
The Sisters of the Holy Names are holding all of you in their thoughts and prayers. We know your dear Dena will always smile upon you and bless you. God bless each of you in all the ways you most desire.

Jeff Fletcher

February 26, 2018

I am without words as I sit here thinking back to the Federal Way High School days where Dena was the department chair in the department I worked. I was a a young adult just making my way in the world and I am thankful for all that she taught me. Yes we had our differences, but she saw through my youthfulness and did her best to steer me in the right direction. We reconnected about 2 years ago, filled each other in on our past 20 years... she was then teaching 3rd grade and me teaching 8th grade...

I remember when I was without a car, she would give me a ride home after picking Corina up from Montessori school. I remember the how she lit up when she picked her up from school, like all the other worries in world faded away. It has been many years since those days and I can still feel the love between a mother and her daughter.

You will always be a part of my classroom...

With my deepest sympathy and condolences.

Olivia Liening

February 17, 2018

Sweet Dena, you were and still are the light of my life, my sole buddy, my best friend. A loving "aunt" to my girls. Now you shine with our Lord. Forever in my heart-Olivia

February 14, 2018

Dena and I met during our high school years. Our parents were childhood friends so the groundwork was laid. Her sense of adventure was most apparent when we played hooky and drove her recently acquired Malibu convertible across what was then the "new" evergreen point bridge. Blue skies, sunshine and wide open road. High school football games, Holy Names Carnival and parties in Gradma Fioritos basement (with the best pizza in town.) Wonderful memories, all part of a rich history. My condolences to her daughter and family. Taken to soon, but will be remembered often with fondness.

Christian Ursino

Kim Hagen-Smith

February 13, 2018

"Hey cuz!"...I sure will miss that phrase. ..we texted often and we knew the code. Dena was my cousin,my friend and my rock when I needed one. Her ability to give and generosity of heart inspires us to be better than we think we can be and I will miss that source of inspiration. She sent me a book in 1966 ...a simple book about a young girl in Hollywood. ..but it inspired me to read ever since. That book is enroute to Corinna as a reminder of just how wonderful her Mom was long before she was a twinkle in Dena's eye. I am grateful for many things but knowing Dena is on the top 10 list. I'll miss you cuz!

Lisa Ursino

February 13, 2018

Dena was my grade school pal at St. Edward's and my high school pal at Holy Names Academy. We had MANY adventures together: dancing the "Pony" at her backyard 8th grade party, sleep overs, tolo's, riding in her yellow Malibu convertible (speeding, of course) and many, many more memories! She was the VITAL part of our "South End Girls" Group. We lost track of each other, but Dena was instrumental in getting us back together again. She will be SO missed!!! I will miss her tremendously. I know she is partying and dancing up in heaven!

February 12, 2018

Dena and family were close friends of our family. We have many happy memories dating back to the early 60's. We send our deepest sympathies.
The Shanahans

TONY ENDERS

February 12, 2018

I was fortunate to see Dena a few years ago at a St. Edwards reunion. Everything I remembered about her growing up in the neighborhood and St. Edwards were still present. She looked great and never lost that smile. My thoughts and prayers for Dean and her family.

Janelle Fioriro

February 11, 2018

Dena is a bright light in all of our lives. Loving, funny, smart and so much more. You felt her love when she was around you. She lived and loved well and made others feel special. My heart goes out to Corinna and my cousins. We will carry her in our hearts forever.

Denis Law

February 11, 2018

I have very fond memories of Dena from many years ago in Rainier Vallley. My thoughts are with Cathy and other members of the family.

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