Lucy Berry Hagan

Lucy Gay Hagan, a longtime resident of Fairfax County, passed away on January 13, 2024. She was a trailblazing visionary who proceeded as if success was inevitable. Lucy was born in Tifton Georgia on July 29, 1932 to a family of hardworking resourceful farmers. She rose to become a Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in the early 1960s. Her thesis "The Absolute Intensity of C2 Bonds" has been frequently cited by other esteemed scientists. Additionally, her studies included novel research on rare earth elements and atomic energy levels. Lucy’s ideas led to advances for both NASA and the armed forces during a time when women were not welcomed in science. She overcame bias, sabotage on her work, and is an icon of the American dream and gender equality. Lucy then began a long and successful career in the Federal government culminating in a GS-15 position in the Defense Department. She was as kind as she was successful and was an advocate for animals and women’s rights. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Hagan. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Hagan Orlow and her beloved granddaughters Jordan Rachel Orlow and Madison Danielle Orlow.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Planned Parenthood or the Southern Poverty Law Center are most appreciated.