Sunday, February 4th, 2024, marked the passing of a truly remarkable woman, Louise Hagerty, at the age of 88. A pioneering entrepreneur and a lifelong resident of Northern Michigan, Louise left an indelible mark on the world. In the words of Maya Angelou, Louise was indeed a “Phenomenal Woman” – her strength, grace, and inner beauty shone through in everything she did.

Born on March 23, 1935, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Charles and Helen (Bloom) Kucera, Louise grew up in and was inspired by the beauty of Leelanau County. From humble beginnings, she emerged as a precocious and competitive student, later graduating as class valedictorian from Maple City High School in 1953. Her life was a testament to the words of Robert Frost, as she journeyed on “The Road Not Taken,” carving her own resilient path in an era when such things were rare.

Louise’s adventures at Michigan State University, highlighted by a memorable train trip to the 1956 Rose Bowl, ignited her lifelong passions for travel and sports. She was always supporting the value of physical fitness, team sports and her beloved Spartans. Go Green!

On September 10, 1955, she married Frank Clayton Hagerty at the Central United Methodist Church. They settled in Traverse City, raising three children and building multiple businesses. Louise balanced family life with growing their flagship venture, Hagerty Marine Insurance, from the basement of their family home on Old Mission Peninsula. Under her focused leadership as CEO, Louise brought all three of her children back to Traverse City to work in and eventually to lead the business. Many of the Hagerty team members who worked with Louise remember her patient but disciplined leadership style and considered her a wise mentor in business and in life. Several of her innovations helped Hagerty to become a global brand, exemplifying Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s belief that “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

Louise’s community involvement was extensive, including active roles in the Traverse City Human Relations Commission, the League of Women Voters, Central United Methodist Church, Central Day Care Board of Trustees, the Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City, the City Opera House Board of Directors, and the Traverse City State Bank Board of Directors. In 2007, her efforts were recognized with the Athena Award, honoring her role in helping other women reach their full leadership potential.

Louise enjoyed a lifetime of friendships with people of all ages. She was also a wonderful host throughout her life and was known for her fashionable style. When the first Hagerty family garage was all abuzz with car restorations, Louise was the “hip” host who always had healthy meals on the table and some wise words of advice for the young people finding their way in life. To her many friends, including the Premier Bridge Club, the Irish Queens, her Florida friends, and all who enjoyed a meal, laugh or toast with Louise: Cheers!

Retirement allowed Louise to enjoy her favorite activities near Traverse City, Glen Lake, and Boca Grande, Florida. She always enjoyed taking scenic cruises in a vintage wooden boat and driving the backroads in a classic car. One of her favorites was riding in her dream car, the family’s 1937 Packard. Her later years saw her develop an unexpected passion for fishing in Florida. Her competitive spirit came through when she often caught the most fish among her companions. In 2019, the 40” Snook she caught in Boca Grande qualified her as a Master Angler. Many thanks to her dedicated guide, Jesse Beye. Louise is lovingly remembered by her children, Tammy Hagerty (Bruce Luoma), McKeel Hagerty (Son), and son-in-law Antonio Simao; her cherished grandchildren Mia, Olivia, Hanna, Sophia, and Ava Hagerty; and her niece, Jodi Overbeek. Preceding her in death were her parents, her former husband Frank, her sister and brother-in-law Mary Jo and Jerry Hagaman, infant son Darby McKeel Hagerty, daughter Kim Louise Hagerty, and numerous beloved family dogs.

Louise was cared for by an incredible team, Melanie Thompson, Claudia Kowalec, Angelica Donn, Kristina Kucaba, Suzanne Veldboom, and Kyle Hamilton. For their service, the family is eternally grateful.

Two public visitations are scheduled for Saturday, February 10th from 3-6 PM and Sunday February 11th from 10 AM-12 PM at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Cherryland Humane Society or the Traverse City Opera House. In her final days at her home overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay, Louise’s thoughts were not of her achievements or of the hurdles she overcame, but of her family and a life well-lived. Her legacy reminds us of the words of William Ernest Henley in his poem “Invictus” – to live a good life is to be “unconquerable”.