Eugenie (Gene) Wagner

Eugenie peacefully passed away in Calgary, AB on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at the age of 88. She was born to Erna and Rudolf Buchholz on July 19, 1936, in Charlottenburg, Germany. Known affectionately as Gene, she spent her childhood in Wedel, Germany, surrounded by her loving parents and beloved siblings, Arthur, Edwin, Aloide, and Erika.

Gene spent most of her teen years after World War II in the town of Wedel in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Following in the footsteps of her two sisters, Gene traveled to Canada aboard the M.S. Italia in 1958. While attending church choir, Gene met Walter, and they married in April 1960, making Calgary their home.

Over the past 60 years, they raised their 7 children and enjoyed their 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Together with Walter, they worked hard to build a successful electrical business. Gene was known for her organizational skills and kept the office paperwork in order. She also ran a loving but tight household, encouraging all her children to learn a musical instrument. She volunteered her time at Christmas for church pageants, sewing costumes and creating beautiful props and decorations, including giant advent wreaths made from evergreen boughs that were carefully selected and cut on the family outings to the “woods” to bring cherished German traditions for many to enjoy.

Gene was the creative and energetic backbone of our family. Raising seven children is no easy task, but Gene made it look like singing "Do-Re-Mi" in a mountain meadow. Together with Walter, they taught us strong values, hard work, and humor, often giving us endearing German nicknames—some of which have stuck even if we didn't particularly appreciate being called "Mookerich, Stubel, Schwine ekel, Knopf, Gackei, Pinzel and Schnuffle. They effortlessly hosted large dinners for family and friends in our "rumpus room," with each child having a role in the events—much like the Von Trapp children performing for guests, except our performances were more about being the "spülmaschine" or "getrankenserver."

Gene was forever modifying their home in Mayland Heights, rearranging furniture and renovating to accommodate their growing family. She relished the design process and had a natural talent for making any space warm and welcoming. She kept our home impeccably clean, a trait (or curse!) passed down to us all. Over the years, they created a magical backyard for their grandchildren, a wooden playhouse amidst flowers and trees was the perfect place to let their imaginations run wild. However not too wild as regular warnings about the “brummermuks” (German reference to growling monster) under the deck was enough to keep everyone from misbehaving too much.

Gene and Walter built their dream house in Chestermere in 1999, envisioning a place for all of their grandchildren and grand-dogs to visit and play among her forest gnomes and other enchantments. Her love of animals and nature was reflected in her garden designs, which included many flowers and trees and a pond with two inhabitants named Wally and Wanda. Gene was also very innovative, she allowed these fish to reside in the basement during winter in a makeshift aquarium built out of a wheelbarrow, creating a vacation home for Wally and Wanda.

Gene found her inspiration in children, and we value her gentle and loving approach with all the grandchildren, neighborhood kids, and those she cared for as a day home provider. The grandchildren frequently reminisce about their experiences, such as waking up to Eggos with whipped cream for breakfast, enjoying an array of “cool” snacks, savoring traditional German dinners, and exploring her collections of books and German trinkets. For them, growing up with Grandma and Grandpa was truly magical. Although Gene might not always have had the words, she consistently gave thoughtful cards and gifts (the "gift closet" was always well-stocked for any occasion).

Gene had a passion for music, reading, writing poetry, and later in life, painting. Among the poets she admired were Joseph von Eichendorf, a Romanticist, Wilhelm Busch of "Max and Moritz" fame, as well as Gudrun Bull and Hermann Löns, noted for their depictions of nature, particularly the Lüneburg Heath. Her love for travel and curiosity led us on many journeys during our childhood, whether we were driving to Ontario, Waterton or California, or flying to Hawaii. As a large family, we were fortunate to have those experiences.

Gene is lovingly remembered by her children; Monica (Greg- deceased), Ronald, Gabriele (Ken), Marlies (Jeff), Wolfgang (Krista), Heidi (Gary), and Oliver (Cindy), grandchildren; Sheena (Paulo), Alex-deceased, Kaarina (Cory), Renee (Danny), Stephen (Hilary), Melissa, Kristen (Josh), Nicholas, Simone, and Sebastien; and great-grandchildren Charlie and Maisie Gene. She will be sadly missed by her many nieces and nephews and cousins in Canada, the U.S., and Germany.

Gene spent her last four years living in Cambridge Manor, where she left a very positive and warm impression among the exceptional caregivers who were part of her daily life. She embraced her life there and participated in many daily activities, particularly enjoying Chinese Checkers matches with both staff and family, which brought her great happiness as she had an almost undefeated record. At Cambridge Manor, she was affectionately known as "Genie," and the nursing staff and aides demonstrated deep care and remarkable patience toward her.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Memorial Service that will be held at Fosters Garden Chapel 4th Street NW Calgary on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 10:00 am with interment to follow at Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery.

Our mother always had strength in her love for her family and faith. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinsonassociation.ca/ or the Brenda Stratford Foundation at www.thebsf.ca/