Hope College lecturer dies

Claudia Hayes-Hagar, a long-time art educator who was a part-time lecturer at Hope College in art and education, died on Sunday following a battle with cancer.

She was 59.

Hayes-Hagar joined the Hope faculty in 1997, teaching courses in art and education with an emphasis on elementary art instruction in addition to teaching in the West Ottawa Public Schools.

Hayes-Hagar was a 1974 graduate of Hope, where she majored in art education. She had also done graduate work at Harvard University and Grand Valley State University in art education and curriculum development.

She spent most of her career as an elementary art teacher. She was at Reeths-Puffer Elementary School from 1984 to 1989 and then with the West Ottawa Public Schools, retiring from Waukazoo Elementary School in 2010.

Initially after graduation from Hope, Hayes-Hagar was with the Life Consultation Center of Ottawa County Community Health for three years, first as a volunteer coordinator and recreation therapist, and then as supervisor of education and recreation. Prior to teaching at the elementary level she was also an adult activities supervisor with Kandu Industries in Holland.

Hayes-Hagar's activities included many years of involvement with the Holland Area Arts Council, most recently as a volunteer and member of the board.

Her survivors include a daughter and son, Annie and Jonathan.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Dykstra Funeral Homes -- Northwood Chapel.