Molly Jane Brog

Molly Jane Brog, 74, passed away of natural causes suddenly and unexpectedly at her

home in La Grande, Oregon, on 25 May 2025. She was the gold standard in her roles

as daughter, sister, and aunt. Her impact on the world was immense because of her far-

reaching influence on her family, her students, and friends who are scattered across the

country.

Molly was born on 2 July 1950, the first child of Edward Wayne “Ed” Brog and Marian

“Billy” Christensen Brog. Her sister, Chrissy, followed, and the Brogs settled into the

beloved family home on O Avenue in La Grande where Molly and Chrissy grew up. It

was scarcely a half dozen blocks away from their maternal grandparents, Wilda “Gigi”

and Marion “Chris/Grandy” Christensen. Molly was always very close to her parents and

grandparents.

As a child, Molly played at home, in the neighborhood, at the cabin her father built, and

in the back room at Chris’ Foods, her grandparents’ grocery store. From grade school

through college and post-graduate studies, she distinguished herself academically. A

favorite experience in high school was reigning as May Music Queen at the annual La

Grande High School May Music Festival.

Molly valued education, for both herself and others. She received her bachelor’s degree

from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree from Oregon State University, and a

doctorate from Brigham Young University. She shared her expertise in her profession

as a gifted educator. She taught a few years in high schools in western Oregon, but

then she settled in La Grande, where she taught at Eastern Oregon University and La

Grande High School, her alma mater, for many years until her retirement. Her family

foundation continues to influence lives through education as she awards college

scholarships.

Molly’s association with and care of her parents are hallmarks of her life. As her parents

became older, she devoted her life unselfishly and constantly to caring for them and

enriching their lives. They were as devoted to her as she was to them.

Molly’s devotion to family expanded as each of Chrissy’s children and then

grandchildren came along. Dubbed “Auntie Mae” early on, she happily doted on

Andrew, Mark, Matthew, and Annie. She was happiest when Chrissy’s family came to

stay in La Grande for several weeks during the summer. Then when her great-nephew

and -nieces came along, she became Auntie Mae to them, and she loved and adored

them. She now had more people to share stories about with her friends. Her familial

affections expanded again four years ago when she bought her beloved miniature

schnoodle, Tippi.

Traveling was another great love. Growing up, a favorite part of the year was the annual

family vacation. Throughout adulthood, Molly continued to travel with her parents and

also her entire family. For years, she, her parents, and Chrissy’s family traveled every

summer together on a tradition-filled excursion through the Pacific Northwest. After her

parents passed away, she continued to generously be the enthusiastic planner and

provider of many travel experiences for her family. Her happiest travel recently has

been her trips with Matthew and his family. Molly also traveled individually all over the

world, forming deep friendships on her tours and documenting each trip with memorable

photos. She often planned further travel with friends she made on her tours.

Molly was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She

served in many callings throughout her life, especially loving service in Relief Society,

the Church’s women’s organization. She continued to be an enthusiastic student of the

gospel until her passing.

Always a consummate learner, Molly acquired a multitude of hobbies throughout her

life, including stained glass, counted cross-stitch, weaving, knitting, photography, and

pen-turning. Over the past decade, she became an accomplished quilter. She loved

every step of the process: selecting fabrics with her artistic eye and meticulously

measuring, cutting, and stitching together hundreds of pieces of fabric. Her hobbies

were another outlet for her generosity as she frequently gave loved ones personalized,

handmade gifts.

Molly’s loyalty, love, and generosity will be irreplaceable in her family’s lives.

She is survived by her sister, Ann Christen “Chrissy” Brog Hartvigsen (Kip); nephews

and niece, Andrew Brog Hartvigsen (Brennen), Mark Christian Hartvigsen, Matthew Kip

Hartvigsen (Emily), and Ann Kathryn “Annie” Hartvigsen (Skyler)j; great-nephew and

great-nieces, Max Edward Hartvigsen, Ella Ann Hartvigsen, Molly Kate Hartvigsen, and

Meg Carrie Hartvigsen. She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

We as a family will honor Molly’s request not to hold a service of any kind. She

expressed that the best memorial would be for people to relish their good memories

with her.

We hope you might in part relish your memories by sharing them with us. We realize

many people have memories of Molly that we have never heard. We would love it if you

would share with us a memory or story, perhaps with a picture if you have one. Please

email your recollections to mollybmemories@gmail.com. And please share this request

with others who know and love Molly.