Eleanor Martina Hagen

Eleanor Martina Hagen, a beloved Guidance Counselor and cherished matriarch, departed this world peacefully at her home in Green Valley, Arizona, on June 26, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on January 30, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, Eleanor was the daughter of Walter and Victoria Smolinski, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for education and the values of compassion and service.

Eleanor's formative years were spent in the embrace of faith and community, culminating in thirteen enriching years of Catholic schooling. Her passion for learning eventually blossomed into a distinguished career as a Guidance Counselor, where she dedicated herself to uplifting and guiding countless young minds, helping them navigate the many pathways of their educational journeys.

Eleanor possessed a vibrant spirit, forever animated by her array of interests and hobbies. She reveled in the beauty of nature, spending many days hiking, savoring the tranquility and wonder that the outdoors bestowed upon her. A true renaissance woman, she also found joy in painting, allowing her creativity to flourish on canvas. As an active volunteer for the Green Valley Recreation community, she embraced the opportunity to enrich the lives of those around her through selfless service. Her love for the arts shone brightly when she attended shows at the Community Performing Arts Center and participated in social events, always endeavoring to connect with neighbors and friends alike. Her faith remained a cornerstone of her life, as she regularly attended services at her church, drawing strength and community from her spiritual family.

In her travels, always accompanied by her loving husband Eugene "Gene" Hagen, Eleanor explored new horizons, etching memories that would last a lifetime. Together, they nurtured a loving household filled with laughter and warmth, celebrating each of their four children—Greg, Laura, Carol, and Bruce—and reveling in the boundless joy brought forth by their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Eleanor's legacy extends far beyond her professional life and includes the indelible impact she made on her family and friends. To know her was to understand the true essence of love, kindness, and devotion. She will be profoundly missed—not only for her unwavering guidance but also for her ability to bring people together and to illuminate even the darkest of days with her radiant smile.

In mourning her departure, we also celebrate the beautiful, spirited life of Eleanor Martina Hagen, a woman who exemplified grace, strength, and resilience, leaving behind an enduring legacy of love.