Amy Emiko Bragdon

Amy Emiko Bragdon- a wise, thoughtful, creative, and deeply cultured woman who served as the connective thread across generations of family, friends, and community—was born on March 7, 1946, in Spokane, Washington. She was raised alongside her older brother, Aisei, by her parents, Dick and Mary “Sue” Shimizu, in a home rooted in Japanese values that she carried throughout her life. Amy passed away suddenly January 27, 2026.

Her path in education reflected both determination and a lifelong love of learning. After graduating from Lewis and Clark High School, she attended Yakima Community College and worked her way forward, taking classes at Washin

gton State University and Eastern Washington University, where she earned a degree in Music. She later completed a master’s degree in administration from Eastern. While her formal education was extensive, learning itself was her way of life, and education was the lens through which she saw the world.She began her educational career in Hawaii as an elementary teacher. In spite of being told by her dad to stay away from “G.I.’s,” she met her future husband who was stationed there.  When she rooted herself back in Spokane in 1972, she became a library aid at Ness Elementary, and soon quickly became the district’s music teacher where her creativity and love of children set the tone for her work. She went on to serve as an administrator at Pasadena Elementary and Centennial Middle School, finishing her career at West Valley High School, where she retired in 2004. In every role, she brought energy, insight, and an unwavering belief in the potential of students and educators alike.

Retirement, however, did not slow her down. Within a year, she was appointed to the Washington State Board of Education, serving two terms under Governor Christine Gregoire until 2013. This role allowed her to think broadly and deeply about education, advocating for systems that better served children across the state.

She also emersed herself as a member of the Hutton Settlement Board in 2006. She served in every capacity in her 18 -year tenure, but was in her glory the most when working directly with the children; knowing every kid and every need. 

No matter where she was or what she was doing, children were always at the center of her heart and her work. Her entire life was devoted to helping kids learn, grow, and thrive, and to empowering educators to imagine what could be possible. She believed deeply in teachers and found her greatest happiness in supporting their ideas and giving them the resources to help children flourish.

One of her most meaningful legacies is her work with the Hagan Foundation. What began in the mid-1990s as a small educational foundation grew significantly after she joined in 2012, becoming a lasting force for innovation and opportunity in education. Her vision, creativity, and tireless dedication helped teachers turn ideas into realities for children to learn and grow across the state and beyond.  

In her professional life, she had hundreds of ideas—many of which went on to change education and better the lives of children. She often prefaced them with, “I have a hare-brained idea,” though those ideas were anything but. She made the Energizer Bunny look like a turtle. We will never know how many ideas were still circling her mind, but the hare-brained ideas she implemented  we will forever see the impact in the lives she touched.

Above all, she was the heart of her family. She is survived by her husband, Roger; her  children Ryan Bragdon and Tori and Scott Marcum; and seven grandchildren, each of whom was a profound source of joy in her life. She was present for all seven of their births and delighted in caring for them—reading, learning, cooking, attending their sporting events, and tending to their physical and emotional needs with endless love and attention.

She was the glue that held generations together and a caring, energetic presence in every community she touched. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who shared in her life. Her enduring wish for others was simple and sincere: good health, strength of spirit, and a deep sense of gratitude. Her legacy lives on through all those she loved and inspired.