Mark H Hager

PETERSHAM – Mark H. Hager, 55 of Petersham, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at Quabbin Valley Healthcare, surrounded by his family, after an 8 year battle with stage-IV colon cancer. Mark was born on June 2, 1962 in Ayer to the late Donald M. Hager and Dorothy Norma (Haywood) Hager. Mark graduated from Quabbin Regional High School and was an undergraduate mechanical engineering student at UMASS Amherst at the time of his diagnosis. He was a machinist and mechanical designer. He was a member of the Athol Congregational Church and the Petersham Lion’s Club. He was an avid hiker and sailor; enjoyed golf, radio-controlled airplanes and music. Mark is survived by his wife of 25 years: Karen (Richards) Hager of Petersham; one daughter: Emma Hager of Petersham; his mother: Norma Hager of Lenox; five sisters: Virginia Brooks of Bradford, NH, Natalie Walker of Berlin, MA, Chris Hager of Troy, VT, Alison LaCourse and her husband Paul of Dexter, ME, Sarah Johnston and her husband Dennis of Farmington, CT; two brothers: John Hager of Weare, NH, Richard Hager and his partner Robin Steihm of Mexico; nineteen nieces and nephews; several great nieces and great nephews; many friends, fellow hikers and sailors. He was predeceased by his father Donald Hager and his sister Nancy Pickard. A heart full of love and appreciation to the doctors, nurses and staff at the UMASS Memorial Hospital Oncology Department for helping Mark survive 6 years beyond his 2 year prognosis. Thanks beyond words to Quabbin Valley Healthcare for treating Mark with dignity and love to the very end of his life. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Athol Congregational Church, 1225 Chestnut St., Athol, MA. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange, MA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mark’s name may be made to the Petersham Lion’s Club, P.O. Box 457, Petersham, Ma 01366 or the Athol Congregational Church Helping Hands Program, 1225 Chestnut St., Athol, MA 01331. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfmailyfh.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home, 110 New Athol Rd., Orange is assisting with arrangements.