Friends and family of the late community activist Jane Hagedorn gather to dedicate a bench in her honor at Arden Park. The plaque recognizes her service to community.

SACRAMENTO, CA(MPG) - Much appreciated, much missed, Arden Arcade pillar Jane Hagedorn was recently honored with a new bench and oak tree in Arden Park. 

Hagedorn lived nearby and played a huge part in tree-planting programs.

A passionate force for literacy, she was a Friends of Arden-Dimick Library stalwart. Hagedorn was also a pioneer in air quality advocacy and helped found the Sacramento Cleaner Air Partnership and the Tree Foundation. 

As the first woman appointed to the Sacramento County Planning Commission, the mother of two (and grandmother of five) was once included among the Sacramento Bee’s “Most Influential Women in Sacramento County.”

To family and friends, the civic pillar was just “Grandma Jane.”

A championship of literacy, Jane Hagedorn volunteers at a Friends of Arden-Dimick Library fundraiser. Fellow volunteers are Debbi Burnett (left) and Anita Scuri.

Hagedorn’s death at age 79 in 2023 triggered much local mourning. Her community fundraised for the memorial park bench and a group of 40 applauded its unveiling. Hagedorn’s longtime advocacy colleague, SMUD director Gregg Fishman, lamented rain and wind during the ceremony.  

“Jane’s having the last laugh today because of the weather,” Fishman said. “She lived a life of service to her community and family. I learned from Jane the importance of clean air and neighborhood ambiance. So many local kids benefited from her love of literacy.”

Sacramento Tree Foundation former leader Ray Trethaway recalled Hagedorn as a universally gracious VIP.

“She didn’t consider herself above any chore,” Trethaway said. “Even at a big event, she’d bend down to pick up trash that didn’t belong.”

Jane Hagedorn’s family help plant an oak near their matriarch’s memorial bench. Relatives are, from left, daughter-in-law, Anissa Hagedorn; son, James Hagedorn; grandson, Jared Mikacich; daughter, Jennifer Hagedorn Mikacich; son-in-law, Jared Mikacich; and granddaughter, Kevan Mikacich.

The activist’s skill at recruitment impressed Sacramento City Councilmember Roger Dickinson.

“Jane had an ability to stimulate leadership to achieve what she felt was important,” Dickinson said “As an activist, she was no lone ranger. When she met somebody, she thought might be impactful, she made an effort to get that person connected.”

Daughter, Jennifer Mikacich, has raised her own family near Hagedorn’s Arden Park neighborhood.

“Mom enjoyed walking around these streets every day,” Mikacich said. “My brother and I love that her friends will be able to come to the park she loved, share her bench and think of what our mother did for us all.”

Hagedorn was survived by her husband, James, who died early this year. Her memorial bench is located at the Arden Park entrance, 1000 La Sierra Drive, Sacramento.