Barbara C. Hager

Barbara Carol Hager, daughter of Charles Augustus Arat and Eleanor Mae Stuart, born December 22, 1937,

passed away at her residence at The Marvin in East Norwalk on July 15, 2020.

She is survived by two children, Lisa Hager-Duncan and Gregory Hager,

two dear granddaughters, Cristi Duncan and Shana Hager, her brother Ronald Arat,

along with cousins, nieces, and nephews, all loved very much by Barbara. She had a strong bond

with her son-in-law, Vincent Ferrante, daughter-in-law, Rene Hager, and Rene’s mother, Marie Tompkins.

She had an infinite number of wonderful friends over the years, both new friends in CT such as Eva Evans

who came to every chemo appointment with Lisa and Barbara, as well as dear friends that she had for

many years in New York who were very special to her, especially Janet Blake.

Barbara attended college in Montpelier, Vermont, and taught nursery school in her earlier years.

She worked at AT&T for most of her life, until she retired and worked in upstate New York with mentally

challenged adults. She had great patience and a progressive understanding of people overall, and

believed that everyone should be respected and understood.

She is and always will be remembered as someone who cherishes family as well as someone who had

a special wonder about her and an inquisitive nature. She enjoyed meeting and engaging new people

as well as understanding their stories and lives. Often when out with family, you would find Barbara striking

up a conversation with a complete stranger who willingly stopped and spent time to speak with her and

to share something about themselves.  She was genuinely interested in people and extending her passion

and love for life to them.

Towards the end of Barbara’s life, she bonded with one last person, Susana Mawuli, who took care of her.

Despite how Barbara was feeling, she always found a way to smile and laugh even during times she felt

challenged to do so. Susana had the wonder and playfulness that Barbara loved. She affectionately

called Susana “Strawberry.” It warmed the hearts of Barbara’s family to see this relationship quickly

deepen into a close friendship.

Barbara’s family and friends all made their way to came visit her before she passed and we have some fond

memories from this that we will treasure.

Barbara will always be missed and remembered, as she touched so many people’s lives with her loving heart

and kind nature.