Sylvia Hagen

On Monday, February 5th, God called his beloved daughter, Sylvia Hagen, 83, home to be with Him.
She was born in Barron, WI in June of 1940 to Daniel Swan and Mabel Macak Swan. When Sylvia was two years old, her family moved to Portland, OR where her dad began working in the shipping yards during WWII. When she was ten, they moved to Hood River, OR, to live and work on a dairy farm. She grew up helping her dad fulfill the many tasks required in farm life. She described it as a hard life, but one she appreciated.
In 1958, she graduated from High School and then began her college career at Seattle Pacific University. She was the first in her family to attend college. She met Ronald Hagen in 1959 when a group of young men from University Christian Union Men's House at University of Washington and young women from Seattle Pacific enjoyed a group date. She graduated in 1962 with a degree in Home Economics.
The two married on August 12,1962 in Hood River and then moved to Albany, CA so Ron could attend graduate school at Cal Berkeley. Sylvia taught second grade that year. After grad school, they moved to Livermore, CA where Ron took a job at Sandia Labs and Sylvia transitioned to teaching 1st grade. In 1964, they welcomed their first child, Gwendolyn. Sylvia stopped teaching elementary school so she could be a full-time wife and mom but began teaching piano lessons on the side. Next God blessed with Jacquelyn, Carol, David, and Jeanette. Additionally, word of Sylvias piano teaching spread and she became a popular, sought-after teacher for many neighbors and friends.
Sylvia is known for her remarkable Christian character and love. She dedicated herself to serving her church and community and never sought recognition. She served in her church's children's ministry, Bible clubs, women's ministries, and served as church pianist.
She is survived by her husband Ron, son David, daughters Gwen, Carol, and Jeanette, 21 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, sister Lois.