Hagen Louise Espy

COLUMBIA - Hagen Louise Espy, 36, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 22, after a brief illness. Born in Greenville, South Carolina, she was a daughter of Nancy Maseng, of Columbia and Carl Espy III, of Atlanta, Georgia. Hagen was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome at Duke University Medical Center in 1984. She was believed to be the 12th person given this diagnosis in the US, although today, the syndrome is estimated to affect one in every 10,000 girls. Hagen contributed to Rett research throughout her life, and will continue to do so through organ donation at Harvard Medical School. Due to recent breakthroughs, drugs to correct and even reverse some of the damaging effects of the syndrome are currently being tested. Since completing her education at Brockman and Fairwold Centers, Hagen attended Hope Bridge at the Hollies Adult Day Services for young adults with special needs, where she was lovingly cared for during the past 16 years. Hagen was a sweet, pure spirit, adored by all who knew her, none more so than her best friend and beloved caregiver, Beverly Sabree.

Surviving are her parents; step-father, Joe Watterson, of Columbia; sister, Parke Jones (Brandon), of Columbia; grandparents, Leif and Betty Maseng, of Columbia, Carl Espy Jr. (Shirley), of Atlanta; step-mother, Gwynne Falls, of Atlanta; aunts and uncles, including Lisa Maseng and Richard White, of Columbia, and Mari Maseng Will (George F.), of Washington, DC; cousin David Maseng Will, of Washington; step-brothers, Jonathan Watterson and Benjie Watterson (Alicia). Hagen was predeceased by her grandmother, Mary Espy, of Atlanta.

A memorial service will be held at Church of the Cross, 7244 Patterson Rd, Columbia, at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 5, conducted by the Reverend Lloyd Edwards.

The family would like to give special thanks to Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital ER.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial donations made to Hope Bridge at the Hollies, 2708 Hebron Drive, West Columbia, 29169; or to Rett Syndrome Organization, P.O. Box 706143, Cincinnati, OH 45270-6143, or www.rettsyndrome.org/get-involved/donate.