Deborah "Deb" Marie (Douglas) Wagner

Deborah “Deb” Marie (Douglas) Wagner

Deborah “Deb” Marie (Douglas) Wagner, age 62, of Mechanicsburg, PA passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 9, 2021, after a brief stay at Bridges at Bent Creek in Mechanicsburg.  Deb was born on Monday, November 3, 1958, in Syracuse, NY to the late Jack Edward Douglas and Marlene Kathryn (Stirner) Douglas.  In addition to her parents, Deb is preceded in death by her brother, Daniel Douglas.

Deb’s survivors include husband of 39 years, Steven Robert Wagner; her two daughters: Kathleen (Katie) Ryan and husband, Devin, their son, Finn, of Camp Hill, PA, Emily Ryan and husband, Craig, of Ballston Lake, NY; and her brother, James E. Douglas and wife, Mary, of Baldwinsville, NY.

Deb graduated with honors from East Syracuse Minoa High School as part of the class of 1976 and Summa Cum Laude from SUNY Potsdam in 1980 with a degree in Mathematics.  She earned her Master’s Degree in Computer Science from SUNY Albany in 1987.

Deb loved to work her entire life and inspired her daughters to have professional careers of their own.  She had extensive expertise in the fields of Medical IT project management, consulting, and software development.  Her unique experience made her an expert in medical software ranging from insurance, hospital, and other end user perspectives.  Her most recent position was as a project manager for Axiom Systems in Frederick, MD.  She made many great friends and had great experiences while at Axiom, especially while working as a consultant in Delaware for Christiana Care and MVP Insurance in Schenectady, NY.  She treasured her work friends and spoke to her family about them often.

Deb loved to travel.  She loved flying, staying in hotel rooms, but she especially loved the beach.  She enjoyed new experiences, dining out, and sitting out in the sun.  She was hoping to take a fun trip with her family this year post-COVID.

Deb and Steve moved to North Carolina from New York in 2015, as it had long been Deb’s dream to live in warm weather.  They had five great years there together before moving to Pennsylvania to be closer to their grandson in December, 2020.  Their daughters have many fond memories visiting in North Carolina.

She was a wonderful mother to her two daughters. She spent virtually every weekend of their childhoods cheering them on in various softball, gymnastics, and volleyball tournaments.  Her encouragement continued through their college, post-college, and adult lives.  She spoke with her daughters every day.  Their bond was incredible.  They will miss her terribly for the rest of their lives.

The light of her life was her grandson, Finn.  Her family is heartbroken that she did not get more time with him because she was the best grandmother ever.  Her family will make sure that Finn grows up hearing our fondest memories of his “Lovey.”

Deb’s family will be remembering her life privately at Millsite Lake in Redwood, New York, her favorite place since she was a little girl.  This remembrance will take place at a date to be determined.  Anyone who would wish to attend will be welcome to do so and share stories of her life.

It was also Deb’s wish that a party be held to celebrate her life.  Arrangements are pending in Mechanicsburg, PA, and information will be disseminated in advance.

Contributions in celebration of Deb’s life can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.cancer.org/involved/donate.html or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org/donate.

Deb’s family would like to thank the amazing staff at Bridges at Bent Creek for taking such great care of her in the last three weeks of her life and the many friends, relatives and co-workers who have shown such great compassion at this time.

Deb’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Deb’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle, and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.