Mary Helen Hagler

Mary Helen Hagler, lovingly known as “Nene” to her friends and family, departed this earth on January 3, 2026. Helen was born on July 30, 1938, in Troy, Texas, to Mary Elizabeth and James Marshall Ellington. She grew up on a small farm in Troy, Texas, in the middle of 6 siblings. She graduated from Troy High School and started a job with Texas Power & Light in Temple, TX. She later married John Hagler and began their journey of building a family. She was a devoted mother whose life was a testament of profound love and enduring hope. She first knew heartbreak of carrying and delivering her beloved daughter, Joyce Ann Hagler, who was born on June 28, 1964. Though her time was brief, Joyce Ann made her a mother. Three years later her heart expanded with joy as she was blessed with her son, John Todd Hagler, who came to her through adoption. With a couple of years of being a mom she gave birth to her second daughter, Joni Beth, in September of 1969. Her heart was full and her family was complete. Lastly, six years later she gave birth to her third child, Mandy Jo, in August of 1975. She raised her children with pure love and unwavering devotion, always making each of them feel very loved and supported. She became a NeNe to her first granddaughter, Ashley Nicole in 2000. She officially retired in 2000 and flourished in being a grandmother. She welcomed her second granddaughter, Emily Ann, in 2003 and her third granddaughter, Ava Marie, in 2005. Seeing her be a grandmother to her grandchildren was the greatest love of all. She cherished her role as grandmother to Ashley Nicole, Emily Ann, and Ava Marie, offering them love, guidance, and support. She enjoyed picking them up from school, helping with homework, and making after-school snacks. She guided them through life with unconditional love and comfort. NeNe always made each of them feel as though they were her whole world whenever they were in her presence. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Marshall and Mary Elizabeth Ellington, her beloved husband, John Hagler, her siblings Bill Ellington, Jimmye Kelly, Margaret Hildebrandt, Barbara Hilliard and daughter, Joyce Ann Hagler. She is survived by her children: Todd Hagler and wife Liza, Joni Price and husband Scotty, and Mandy Capet and husband Chad; her grandchildren Ashley Montelongo, Emily Montelongo, and Ava Capet; and her sisters, Linda Hammer and Betty Vaughan. Nene will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the many thoughts, prayers, expressions of love, care, and kindness shown during this time. Special thanks to Hand in Hand Hospice for the compassionate care and attention provided to Mary Helen by their dedicated medical team of nurses and doctors. The family would also like to extend their highest regard and appreciation to Shemaki Jackson, her devoted caregiver for nine years, who consistently went above and beyond in care, love, and support, as well as to Loretta Beechum, who lovingly cared for her during the last few years of her life. No services are scheduled per her request. Cremation is under the direction of Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Celebration of Life will be held on January 17, 2026, at a separate location.

Mary Helen Hagler

July 30, 1938 - January 3, 2026