Dorothy Anne Wagner

Dorothy Anne Wagner left this world suddenly in her home at the age of 105. She was healthy and vibrant until that last day.

Dorothy (Dot, Dottie) was a loving mother to Carole Ann Wagner, Lois Ethel Phelan, Michele (Mickie) Josephine Howard and William (Bill) Mabs Wagner. She loved being the grandmother to Melvyn Lee Howard II, Carley Lee Phelan-Adams and Virginia (Ginny) Elizabeth Phelan-Ladd. She was great grandmother to Ginger Lee Ann Howard, George Iguassu Ladd, Nathaniel Bowie Ladd and Juliette Infinity Arcadia Phelan Adams.

Dorothy was born July 15, 1916 in New York City to Harry Joseph Mabs, an immigrant from Mulhouse, Haut-Rhin, Alsace, France and Anna Mary Daly-Mabs an immigrant from Ballybay, Monaghan, Ireland.

Her family moved from New York City to Harrington Park, then to New Jersey, followed by Miami, Florida, next to Bronx, New York and finally to Chicago, Illinois where she met and married William (Bill) Joseph Wagner on Aug 5, 1942. Mom always complained to us about how many times she moved when she was growing up. The family always thought that was the reason she was such a wonderful friendly person.

Dorothy gave birth to her three daughters while living in Chicago. Tired of the big city life they built a small home among the corn fields of Glen Ellen, Illinois. There they welcomed there only son, Billy.

She enjoyed a wonderful life in Glen Ellen and loved telling stories of the severe winter snow and hot summer evenings. Of sitting in the yard watching fireflies and talking with her neighbors while dad played horseshoes and the neighborhood gang of kids ran wild around everyone until late in the evening.

The Wagner family moved to Los Angeles, California in 1958 seeking warmer weather and better job opportunities for Bill. Once the children grew Dorothy pursued a nursing career first at Cheviot Hills Convalescent Hospital and then as a private nurse helping the elderly in their homes.

After the death of her husband, Bill, Dorothy found solace working at St. Joan of Arc church as a volunteer and a Eucharist minister. She fostered great friendships both at the church and the 50 plus club. The family sends love and hugs to all of her dear friends for filling Dorothy’s long life with love, fun and great adventures.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill on Oct. 12, 1981, her dear brother, Harry Thomas Mabs on May 17, 1997 and her son Billy on Nov 6, 2017.

God blessed Dorothy with a long life and excellent health until her last day.

Her family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to all of those special family and friends that made Mom’s last days so peaceful and bright.

Her kind caretakers, Elida Fuentes, Marleny Motta and Georgina Poublanc, she loved you all and called you her angels. Mom’s unbelievable next door neighbors, Julie, Brian and Dylan Mitchel, Annie and Marvin Silver. You were Mom’s guarding angels. You were there whenever she needed help. God bless all of you. A very special friend, Isis McKelvey, you were always a phone call away when mom needed a chat, thank you. Christinia Tan and Becky De la Rosa, you brought Jesus to Mom when Mom was no longer able to go to church. You blessed her with goodness and peace.

Mom’s passing will leave a huge void in all of us but rest assured we will all be together again.