Obituary for Nancy Lee Hagedorn

Nancy Lee Thompson Hagedorn, age 95 of Murphy, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Nancy was born in Hamilton County, Ohio to the late Joseph and Myrtle Horn Thompson. She lived and educated in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated the University of Ohio in 1953. Nancy married Phil C. Hagedorn in 1954, had three daughters and resided in West Virginia. The family then moved to Annapolis, Maryland where she worked for general architect firms and later sold fine furniture. Although she was successful in a man's world, she much preferred homemaking (cooking, sewing and decorating the home). In 1972, they lost their youngest daughter and later moved to Bayridge on the Chesapeake Bay and fixed up a small beach house. Nancy became a widow in 1993 and later retired to Delaware.

After enjoying the ocean, she moved to western North Carolina, where she enjoyed much Christian fellowship and the beautiful mountains. You can see some of her amazing artwork at the Andrews Pregnancy and Parenting Center. She enjoyed painting and gardening. Nancy was also an avid reader and enjoyed her many travels. She loved spending time with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Nancy had attended Saint Anne Episcopal in Annapolis, Maryland for 40 years but while living in Murphy, she attended Providence Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Philip C. Hagedorn; and her daughter, Betsy Hagedorn.

She is survived by her daughters, Ellie Hendricks (Keith) and Susan Bastas (Yiannis); her sister, Karen Brenizer; her grandchildren, Aaron Lee Hendricks (Ainnie), Amy Meiners (Wil), Emily Bastas and Elektra Bastas; her great grandchildren, Eliana Meiners, Eliza Meiners, Melisanthi Bastas, Arthur Hendricks, Lucy Hendricks and one on the way, Baby Hendricks; and her several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Providence Presbyterian Church (2252 Harshaw Road, Murphy, NC) with Pastor David Hina officiating.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.