Wendy Schagen Klag 1952-2006

Wendy Klag, the wife of Dean Michael J. Klag, died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 16, 2006 aboard the cruise ship Legend II near the Galapagos Islands. She was a devoted wife and mother, a woman whose life revolved around her children and family. They all recognize that whatever success any of them had was due to her advocacy and support. Her departure leaves a hole that will never be filled.

Wendy was born on May 20, 1952 in Paterson, N.J. and raised in nearby Glen Rock where she attended Central School and Glen Rock High School. She then went to Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. where she met her future husband whom she began dating in 1970. Wendy graduated with a degree in Sociology and a teaching certificate in secondary education.

Wendy and Michael were married on June 22, 1975 at First Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood. She worked at CSC in Philadelphia and supported her husband during his last three years in medical school. They lived in Philadelphia until May 1978 when “they loaded up the truck and moved to” Syracuse, New York. Wendy worked at Crouse-Hinds Company. Their first child, Julia Schagen, was born there on May 7, 1982. It was a traumatic birth and a near death experience for Wendy. Wendy spent her first Mother’s Day in the medical intensive care unit with a surprise visit from Julia in a newborn nursery crib. Wendy recovered after some months and was a devoted and attentive mother. The Klags moved to Baltimore in 1984 and made the commitment to stay in 1987. Stephen Andrew was born in Johns Hopkins Hospital on July 18, 1986, followed by Sarah Elizabeth on December 12, 1990.

Wendy loved children. Throughout her life, she was an active, selfless volunteer in local elementary and middle schools. When she had small children, she appreciated the opportunity to attend aerobics classes. When her children were old enough to attend school, she afforded other women the same opportunity by baby sitting at the Parkville Recreation Council.

Wendy was a tireless reader, a trait that she passed on to her children and shared with her husband. She also was a fan of professional sports and had a depth of knowledge that amazed her family.

The defining hallmarks of her life were selflessness and devotion to her family and friends. She took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and husband. In turn, they recognized her as the glue that held them together and the anchor that kept them centered.

She is survived by: her husband, Michael; her three children, Julia, Stephen, and Sarah; her father, Albert W. Schagen of Glen Rock, New Jersey; two brothers Donald Schagen of Newport, N.H. and Kurt Schagen, of Lee, Mass. and many other family and friends.

A funeral mass for Wendy Klag was held August 23 at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore.

Anyone wishing to send their condolences to the Klag family may send them by email to deanklag@jhsph.edu.

The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, gifts in Wendy's memory should be directed to the Wendy Klag Fund at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Gifts may be sent to the School at the address below.

Wendy Klag Fund
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
615 N. Wolfe Street/ W1600
Baltimore, MD 21205