(1949-2023)

Associate Karen Marie Hagen was born on July 15, 1949, and grew up in Hazel Park, Michigan with her mother, father and two brothers. She attended St. Justin Elementary School and St. Rita’s High School in Detroit. Karen was raised in a Catholic home, and she recalls that she knew of God’s presence in her life at a very early age.

Karen served in the United States Navy, working as a Dental Technician, and then attended Eastern Michigan University, graduating with a BA in Education and a MA in Educational Leadership. She went on to study at Michigan State University, obtaining a MA in Labor and Industrial Relations. She also studied Criminal Justice. Obtaining her certification as an online teacher provided Karen the opportunity to become an adjunct faculty member at Lansing Community College. In 2010 Karen enrolled in the Spiritual Direction Internship Program through the Dominican Center for Religious Development. 

Karen had a long and impressive employment history, and she held various positions in the State of Michigan, working as a Human Resources Specialist in the Department of Mental Health and for the Michigan State Police. She became an Academic Team Leader at Lansing Community College and was a member of the adjunct faculty, teaching courses in Labor Relations, Principles of Management, and Human Resources Management.  Additionally, Karen has served as a spiritual director, facilitated prayer services in her parish, served as a Eucharistic Minister, and taught religious education.

Being a mother and grandmother were important roles to Karen. She was devoted to her son Bill and his wife Jenn and their three children, Henry, Harrison, and Scarlett. She also considered her circle of women friends her family as well as her two brothers and their families.

Adrian Dominican, Sister Janet Kubiak, OP, aunt, and Godmother of Karen, introduced her to the Congregation and Associate Life. On August 3, 2013, Karen became an Adrian Dominican Associate, mentored by Sister Joan Meerschaert, OP.

Karen described her call to Associate Life in the following words:

I have always felt a call to a deeper relationship with God and so it was natural for me to look to the Adrian community for inspiration, leadership, and guidance. We are meant to be in community, and I am excited to begin my study of the Dominican tradition!

Karen certainly exemplified living the Dominican Charism in her life. She was a person of prayer, committed to study and learning. She loved being in community and she considered her life a vocation to serve others.  

We entrust Karen Marie Hagen to God’s loving care. May her memory be a blessing.

 

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