Carmen (Nowell) Wagner

Carmen (Nowell) Wagner

Carmen (Nowell) Wagner, age 90, of Mechanicsburg, died peacefully at home on Saturday, November 23, 2019.  Carmen was born on Sunday, April 14, 1929 in Denton, MD to the late W. Earle Nowell and Huldah (Swann) Sparks.  Carmen was the widow of Paul Leroy Wagner, whom she married on July 8, 1949, and who died on July 20, 1994.  In addition to her parents and husband, Carmen is preceded in death by her step-father, H. Thawley Sparks and her daughter-in-law, Rosemary “Ro” Ann Wagner, who died on June 30, 2014.

Carmen’s survivors include her three children: Gary Wagner and his wife, Nancy, of Brick, NJ, Barbara “Barb” Kohler and her husband, Larry “Bill”, of Mechanicsburg, Greg Wagner of Enola; her seven grandchildren: Andrew Kohler and spouse, Emily; Amy Morret and spouse, Justin; Emily Wagner and spouse, Bridgette Clarke; Becky Wicker and spouse, Chris; Marissa Wagner, Molly Wagner, and Josh Kohler; and her six great-grandchildren: Blake, Ayden, Alyssa, Alayna, Logan, and Brielle.

She lived in Denton, MD until 1941; when her mother married Navy Chief Petty Officer, H. Thawley Sparks and moved to New Orleans.  A year later, she moved to Mechanicsburg and attended Mechanicsburg High School, graduating in 1947. Carmen married Paul L. Wagner at Trindle Springs Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, on July 8, 1949.  Together they made a good life in Mechanicsburg for themselves and their three children, Gary Lee, Barbara Kay, and Greg Allen.  The couple was married for 45 years, until Paul’s death in 1994. After graduating from high school, Carmen worked for the Insurance Company of North America in Harrisburg, until 1951.  She remained at home, raising her three children until 1967, when she went to work as manager of the Mechanicsburg office of the Carlisle Sentinel.  She loved reporting on the Mechanicsburg Town Council and School Board meetings.  She also enjoyed supervising the youngsters who delivered the Sentinel throughout the town.  Carmen was proud to serve as secretary for the Mechanicsburg Bicentennial Committee in 1976. Carmen was a member of Trindle Springs Lutheran Church, for over 65 years, and took part in many of the church’s charitable activities.  She volunteered for Meals on Wheels, for several years, and found that work very meaningful.  Together with Paul, Carmen volunteered at Citizens Fire and Rescue Company, # 2.  She helped with many of their fund raising activities and was recognized as an honorary member in 2000.

All are welcome to join Carmen’s family at her viewing on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, from 11:15 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. with service to begin at 12:30 p.m. at Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Pastor Aaron M. Erdley officiating. Burial will follow in Trindle Spring Cemetery in Mechanicsburg. Carmen’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at her church following the burial.

Contributions in celebration of Carmen’s life can be made to Trindle Spring Lutheran Church, 14 State Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, www.TrindleSpringLutheranChurch.org/Donate-Now.html.

Carmen’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Carmen’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, and sign her official guest book at Buhrig.com.