Margaret Wagner's Obituary
Wagner, Margaret (Meg), 83, of St. Petersburg, peacefully graduated to a better life on October 29, 2023, after a courageous five-year battle with inoperable pancreatic cancer. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many.
Meg was born in Charleston, WV, on May 7, 1940. She was a Merit Scholar and graduated from Emory University with an ACS B.S. degree in chemistry. Five days later she married F Linn Wagner, MD, on June 10, 1961, and they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage. They lived in Miami, New Orleans, and Columbia, S.C. during Linn’s medical education and military service. In 1970 they settled down in St. Petersburg.
Meg was a woman of faith and service. She was an active member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, where she held various leadership roles, including lay leader and chairperson of administrative council. She taught Vacation Bible School, participated in dinner theater productions, served as church librarian, and played in the church handbell choirs.
Meg was a volunteer Braille transcriber and instructor for 50 years. She served on the Board of Directors of the National Braille Association for 6 years and was treasurer for 4 of the years. In addition, she was the President and board member of the Visual Aid Volunteers of Florida, and she served as President and Treasurer of the Pinellas Braille Group for multiple years. In addition to transcribing both literary, math, and science materials, she taught many transcription courses and helped teachers and prison inmates to become certified transcribers. She received multiple awards from national and statewide organizations serving the visually impaired and in 2023 received a "Hero Award" from the local Rotary Club.
Meg had a passion for horse riding and jumping, which she started at the age of 47. She competed in many events in Florida and North Carolina and won several ribbons and trophies. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, reading, welcoming people into her home, and traveling with her husband. She was a gifted teacher, a compassionate listener, a kind helper, and a source of inspiration for many. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her grace and generosity. She is missed by so many for the incredible impact she had on their lives.
Meg is survived by her husband, Linn; her sister, Barbara Davis; her sons, Fred and Andrew, her daughter, DJ; her grandchildren, Frederick, Bethany, Megan, Richard, Drake, Alexander, and Gwen; and her great-grandchildren, Logan, Luther, Ruth, Emma, and Phoebe Margaret.
A memorial service and a celebration of life reception will be held at 2 P.M. on December 30 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 4444 5th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Braille Association to establish a Meg Wagner award, by sending a check to the National Braille Association, 95 Allens Creek Rd. Rochester, NY, Building One, Suite 202 14618; or online at www.nationalbraille.org. Please make sure that all donations are clearly marked as being in memory of Margaret (Meg) Wagner.
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