Mildred A. “Millie” Hagan, passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

Millie was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to John and Ann (née Ptacek) Svoboda. She grew up with her older brother, Robert “Bob,” and 17 years later joyfully welcomed her younger sister, Maryann. Millie remained close to both Bob and Maryann throughout her life, even when distance separated them.

Millie’s first calling was religious life. She entered the convent and became Sister Nadine. After discerning a different path, she left the convent and began a new chapter. She later met Robert “Bob” Hagan, a bright, quiet accountant, in, of all places, a bar, even though neither of them drank. They married and welcomed two children, Russell “Russ” and Michelle.

Millie worked as a bookkeeper before devoting herself to raising her children. She loved numbers and had a natural gift for organization, but her greatest joy was caring for her family and creating a home filled with warmth, food, laughter, and faith.

Millie and Bob shared a deep Catholic faith and were active members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Parma, Ohio. They attended Mass frequently and generously volunteered their time. Beyond church, Millie was known for her cooking and hospitality. There was almost always a party being held or planned, with the house overflowing with family and friends, multicourse meals being served, a game of cards never far behind and Neil Diamond playing in the background. For many years, her brother "Uncle Bob" came to her home each weekend for a game of Scrabble, some pizza, or a homecooked meal.

After Bob’s death from cancer in 1998, Millie moved to Arlington Heights, Illinois, to be closer to her daughter. She made her home at Arlington Glen Condominiums, where it seemed everyone knew her name, and the names of the dogs she walked throughout the complex. She formed friendships there that lasted the rest of her life.

Millie later moved to Church Creek in Arlington Heights. Once again, no one remained a stranger for long. She participated enthusiastically in community activities, particularly the RATS theater group, where she helped with sound, as well as the weekly Mass.

Through RATS, Millie found love again with Berton “Bert” G. Braun, a thoughtful and intelligent retired attorney and public servant. Millie and Bert married in 2015 and lived together at Church Creek until his death in 2018.

The residents and staff of Church Creek held a special place in Millie’s heart. Her family is deeply grateful to the Alera Caring team at Church Creek for the kindness, companionship, and care they provided to her there.

Millie met life with optimism, humor, zest, and an ever-present smile. Despite chronic illness and two battles with breast cancer, she continued to think of others. She was always writing a handwritten note, finding the perfect gift, or looking for a way to let someone know they were remembered and loved.

Millie’s family is especially grateful to Hylena, her devoted caregiver and companion of many years. Hylena was a true angel in Millie’s life. They shared so much laughter, and Hylena always recognized and honored Millie’s strength, dignity, and spirit. The family also extends heartfelt thanks to aides Rachel, Clara, and Lisette. Their kindness during difficult times brought Millie comfort and meant more than words can express.

Millie is survived by her brother, Robert “Bob” Svoboda; sister, Maryann (Mike) Craft; daughter, Michelle (Karl) Marsicek; daughter-in-law, Aurora Garza Hagan of Houston, Texas; and her beloved grandchildren, Max, Elise, and Erik Marsicek, and Robert and Isabella Hagan. She is also survived by her stepsons, David (Patricia) Braun and Jeffrey (Tina) Braun; many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends; and her faithful feline companion, Jake.

One of Millie’s greatest heartbreaks was the sudden loss of her son, Russ, to a rare disease in 2016, while he was a young father. Russ was an accomplished Army pilot and NASA engineer. Millie taught him to dream big and reach for the skies that fascinated him, and now they are reunited in those skies. She is also reunited with her beloved granddaughter who died of cancer, Arianna Grace Marsicek, whom she carried close in her heart.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Barrington, Illinois. A memorial gathering in Ohio will be held at a later date.

Whether you attend or not, you are invited to wear Millie’s favorite color, purple, that day, share a laugh, or perform an act of kindness in her memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions toward a park bench to be dedicated in Millie’s memory. 

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