On December 22, 2022 at 10:00 in the morning, a steadfast supporter of democracy and devoted friend, sister, mother, and colleague died peacefully from small bowel cancer. She was in good spirits until the end, surrounded by family and messages of love from around the world.

Mary O’Hagan was born in Winchester, England on December 21, 1955 to Leslie and Eunice Francis. Mary often reflected on her childhood, filled with the struggles of being a gifted child and fond memories of elaborate shenanigans with her elder brothers James and John. After attending many different schools, Mary was one of the first women to attend Hertford College, Oxford, graduating in 1974 with a first in geography. She never finished the DPhil she started at Nuffield College, opting instead to work for the Conservative group in the European parliament.

Mary was a dedicated and proud mother to her daughter Antonia. She faced a constant balancing act to raise Antonia as a single mother and meet the travel demands of her various jobs. Antonia was always the most important person in her life. Those who knew Mary for any length of time would know of Antonia’s life and receive frequent updates on her educational achievements and adventures.

Having left the European parliament, Mary worked as head of research for the Liberal Democratic party in the UK’s House of Commons. She soon tired of the parochial nature of domestic politics and eventually found her professional groove working for the National Democratic Institute. There she led democracy promotion programs in Slovakia, Serbia, Russia, Georgia, Kenya, Nigeria and finished her career in Ukraine where ill health eventually forced her into retirement. She was a natural promoter of democracy - mission driven, creative, self-effacing and self-reflecting but unapologetic and, most importantly, a relationship builder and convener.

In every country she worked, Mary was committed to the inclusion of underrepresented groups in the political process. This included women, youth, LGBTIQ+, civil society organizations, minority political parties, and other marginalized groups. She was also a tireless builder of capacity in individuals and organizations and developer of connections and relationships between unlikely groups. She worked tirelessly to persuade them that it was by working collaboratively that they could achieve political change.

Mary was a remarkable mentor. She inspired many wonderful people, both young and older wherever she worked. She found ways to feed their enthusiasm, nurture their talents and grow their potential. These lucky individuals are like democratic seeds planted for the future.

Even in the darkest of situations, such as during the Russian invasions of Georgia and Ukraine, Mary would battle on. Her mantra was that we must “travel in hope” and continue to try. Mary was confident that Ukraine will eventually prevail against Russia. Her final wish was for people everywhere to support the cause in any way they can, such as by encouraging their member of Parliament or Congress to support Ukraine. In lieu of flowers, she asked for donations to the “Come Back Alive” Foundation: https://savelife.in.ua/en/ . 

Mary is survived by her daughter Antonia and her brothers James and John. It was Mary’s wish that there be no funeral or memorial service. She will rest in peace, with her parents, in the churchyard of Saint Materiana in Cornwall, England.

Mary was unique and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.