Barclay Elizabeth (Brown) Hagen
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Barclay Elizabeth (Brown) Hagen passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024, at the University of Kansas Medical Center from a pulmonary embolism. She was 47. Barclay was born December 16, 1976, in Hays, KS, the daughter of Robert Brown and Jeanie (Stewart) Brown. Her sister, Brianne (Brown) Cook was born in 1978, and the family moved from their home in Stockton, KS to Lawrence, KS in 1985 where Barclay would remain until her passing.
Barclay graduated from Lawrence High School in 1995 and earned a Business Administration degree from Baker University in 2002 after building a strong work history in marketing and sales. Her drive and intellect, along with her yearning to be a Jayhawk and walk down Campanile Hill, inspired her to earn a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Kansas in 2015. She accomplished this while working as Chief Administrative Officer at Environmental Management Resources (EMR) from 2008-2018. Recognizing her talent and value, an EMR client, OnPoint Consulting, recruited her as their Director of Client Care, where she was employed until her passing. At every place of employment, regardless of size or type, Barclay was known for her ability to learn quickly, her strong work ethic, her steadfast loyalty and her eagerness to take on all projects, no matter the challenge; she was invaluable to her employers. Barclay’s aptitude for instantly connecting with others and building strong relationships contributed to her success professionally and personally.
Barclay married Dean Hagen on December 31, 2001. From their marriage they were blessed with three beautiful children, Harleigh (20), Grayson (17) and Brogan (15). Together, they enjoyed supporting their kids in all their endeavors as well as traveling. Divorcing in 2017, they remained solid in their commitment to co-parent their three children, who were the true light of Barclay’s life.
Barclay’s passing came as a shock to our family and her friends, none of whom were expecting her life to be cut so short, so soon. Regardless, she filled every day with fun, adventure, family and friends. Prioritizing her kids, you were guaranteed to find Barclay at volleyball, wrestling, football, school fundraisers, planning events and so much more. Her zest for life was contagious. She was always planning the next beach vacation, concert to enjoy, opportunity to support her Jayhawks or event to attend, always with her friends and family at her side. Almost every Sunday she could be found at her mom’s pool with her friends, sharing drinks and laughter all day long. Barclay lived without regret, she lived with purpose and without hesitation, she knew what mattered, prioritizing her children, her family, her friends and relationships with loyalty, love, joy and laughter. When you celebrate Barclay, celebrate the good memories you have of her. Remember that life is fragile and short and should be lived to the fullest. She will be missed more than any words could express but she will be forever in our hearts until we meet again.
Barclay is survived by her three children, Harleigh, Grayson and Brogan Hagen, her mom Jeanie Brown, sisters Brianne (Casey) Cook and children Cayman, Kiyana and Brittyn, Stephanie (Jim) Keller and children Kobe, Mason and Mikah, Erica (Nate) Hill and children Madelyn (Sean) Bounous and Kaden Hill; aunts Stephanie Stewart and Rhonda (Troy) Savage, Rita Brown and Vicky (Royse) Leitner, and a host of cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father Robert Brown and stepfather Steve Blackwell, grandparents Bill and Mary Eckart, Robert and Evelyn Brown, uncle Bill Brown and aunt CaraLee Brown, and several cousins.
There will be a visitation at 10am on Friday, October 25, 2024, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, 6001 Bob Billings Parkway, Lawrence, KS 66049. In true Barclay fashion, we will celebrate her at Johnny’s Tavern 721 Wakarusa Drive, Lawrence, KS 66049 from 2-5pm. We encourage you to wear your vibrant colors to commemorate her vibrant personality and the life she lived.
One never knows the impact they have made on others’ lives until the family sees the outpouring of love and support. She truly made everyone feel important with her bright smile and sparkling eyes. Barclay continued her positive impact, even in death, through organ donation to immediately change the lives of multiple recipients. All this is a true testament to Barclay’s character. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hagen kids college fund or to Just Food. Educational donations can be made by Venmo to @Barclay-HagenEducationalFund. Just Food or educational donations can be made by check in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Barclay was my first friend here in Lawrence. We met at the Mom’s Clinic for Free State football. She got in line behind me for the defensive back drills because Grayson and my son, Noah played the same position. We immediately connected. She was so friendly and welcoming to me. That meant so much as being the new family in town is tough. She impacted my life in so many ways. I will miss her dearly. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and all who loved her.
I was deeply saddened to hear of Barclay’s passing. Although I never had the chance to meet her in person, our interactions over Google Meets left a lasting impression on me. Her warmth, intelligence, and kindness shone through, and I feel a profound sense of loss with this news. We were incredibly fortunate to have her help us with our business—her insight and dedication made a meaningful impact. I can only imagine the void this leaves for those who knew her well. Please know that my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the memories of her remarkable life and the difference she made in the lives of others.