Born in Newark, NJ on March 5, 1949, Barbara was the beloved daughter of the late James and Eleanor Hagen, and the eldest of ten children—a role she carried with steady devotion, quiet leadership, and a deep sense of responsibility for those she loved.
Barbara started her journey at Parsons School of Design, a fitting beginning for someone whose artistic eye and creative spirit remained an enduring part of her life. She later earned her master’s degree in social work from Rutgers, bringing together compassion and purpose in a way that would shape her life’s work and the many lives she touched on her journey.
Barbara worked for the State of New Jersey as an advocate for women’s rights. In that work, she offered not only professional skill, but also a principled commitment to fairness and dignity—approaching each day with the kind of care, persistence, and integrity that defined her.
Barbara always shared her journey. She took several of her siblings into New York City to see symphonies and Broadway musicals, making sure they could experience the wonder of music, performance, and art—opportunities they might not otherwise have had. Her generosity was practical and heartfelt, expressed through time given, doors opened, and moments shared.
Barbara was known for her kindness and generosity, always willing to lend a hand to someone in need and to go the extra mile. Her legacy lives on in the countless ways she showed up for others—steadily, thoughtfully, and without hesitation, leading by example.
Barbara spent her final years under the loving care of Little Brook Nursing Home in Califon, NJ.
Barbara is survived by her brother and his wife, Michael and Kathy Hagen; her sister and her husband, Carole and Scott Wieden; her sister, Nancy Roberts; her brother, Christopher Hagen; her sister, Margaret Franciosi; her brother and his wife, John and Kim Hagen; her sister, Karen Boda; her sister in law, Jeanne Hagen; her lifetime family friend, Rosemary Ferraro-McConnon; 14 nieces and nephews, 19 great nieces and nephews, as well as the wonderful staff and all her friends at Little Brook Nursing Home.
Barbara was predeceased by her beloved parents, James and Eleanor Hagen; her brother James Hagen; her brother, Stephen Hagen; her brother-in-law, Al Roberts; and her brother-in-law Frank Franciosi.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, April 27, at 11 am, at Newton Cemetery, Lawnwood Ave, Newton, NJ. All are welcome. If you’d like to bring flowers to leave with Barbara, that would mean so much to the family.
