IN MEMORIAM
Maj. Norma Jean Hager, 77;
Retired From Salvation Army
Since, She Knitted 453 Afghans For Bassett Newborns
MILFORD – Maj. Norma Jean Hager, who retired from the Salvation Army after a four-decade career, was promoted to glory on Sept. 18, 2018, in Milford, where she had retired.
She was the daughter of Charles & Charlotte (Stilson) Cargill born on Dec. 31, 1940, in Oneonta.
Norma attended school in Oneonta and graduated from OHS in June of 1959. In September 1959 she entered the Salvation Army School for Officers Training as a cadet in The Bronx, NY to become an officer (pastor).
On June 13, 1960, she was commissioned and ordained as a probationary lieutenant and her first assignment was to the Wayside School for Girls in Valley Stream.
While in training, she met Cadet Charles Hager and on Jan. 13, 1962, they were married at the Salvation Army post on River Street in Oneonta by Maj. Leo Wittenberg.
As a couple, they were active officers for 40½ years each serving both in Corps Community Centers and then Adult Rehabilitation Centers in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. She retired to Milford in January 2001.
In retirement, Norma was active with the Red Hatters and volunteered at the Salvation Army in Oneonta. She enjoyed crafts as well as knitting and sewing. Since 2003, she knitted 453 new baby afghans to be given out to babies at Bassett Hospital, and worked at Cardsmart for several years.
Norma was the mother three children: Timothy of Milford, Maj. Mark Hager (Maj. Robin Hager, spouse) of Plattsburgh, and Esther Frederick, Long Island. She also loved her three grandchildren: Morgan Brittany Frederick, Amelia Hager and Mark Hager, Jr.
Norma is survived by two sisters, Mary Knapp of Victoria, Texas and Carol Cargill of Anniston, Ala.
She was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Major Charlene Hager, her parents, and her father- and mother-in-law.
A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Salvation Army, 25 River St, Oneonta, with Maj. Phillip Wittenberg officiating. Interment for family only will be at the Milford Center Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Salvation Army, 25 River St., Oneonta, NY 13820 or The Salvation Army, 4804 S. Catherine St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901
To send online condolences visit www.ottmanfuneralhome.com
Arrangements were entrusted to the Ottman Funeral Home, Cherry Valley, NY