Theodora Van Hagen

Theodora “Teddy” Van Hagen, 92, of Stowe died peacefully Dec. 25, 2015, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H.

She was born Dec. 29, 1922, in Lynbrook, Long Island, N.Y. During her earlier years in Connecticut, she was a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America and traveled all around the world to learn how to make lace and create beautiful needlework. She studied embroidery at the Danish Handcraft School in Copenhagen.

She had been president of the Bridgeport Art League and the Huntington Garden Club and was a member of the Huntington Historical Society, where she taught canvas embroidery. Teddy was an expert at restoring fabric and participated in restoration of the original drapes that hang today at President Andrew Jackson’s estate.

After 63 years of marriage and the loss of her husband, Teddy moved to Stowe in 2007, where she became a vibrant member of the community. Teddy enjoyed playing bridge and mahjong with friends, and spent numerous hours reading, researching quilting and genealogy, and making jewelry. She won awards for her detailed porcelain painting.

Teddy will be forever remembered as an expert teller of stories and jokes, and was always ready to enjoy a party with her friends and family.

Her husband, Jack W. Van Hagen, died earlier, as did a grandson, Jack Turner.

Survivors include her two daughters and their spouses, Jaclyn and Gary Wodowski and Leslie and Matt Anderson; a granddaughter, Dawn Janicki and husband Matt; a grandson, Austin Anderson and wife Kristen; and two great-grandsons, Brandon and Joseph Janicki.

A memorial service will be held in late spring at Stowe Community Church. Burial will in Arlington National Cemetery alongside her beloved husband, Jack, a veteran of World War II.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Theodora Van Hagen may be made to Friends of Stowe Free Library, P.O. Box 1029, Stowe, VT 05672.

Faith Funeral Home of Morrisville is assisting the family. To send online condolences: faithfh.net.