Michelle R. (Connor) Wagner

On Monday, October 8, 2018, Michelle suddenly passed away. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, she attended Sacred Heart of Mary Parochial School in Baltimore County, Maryland. Michelle excelled in English and public speaking, and in the 8th grade, after competing with approximately 1500 Catholic students in the Baltimore area, she won first prize in an essay contest sponsored by the American Vets.

The topic was "What It Means to Me to be an American"! The teachers, veterans and audience were so taken by not only what she wrote in her paper, but by the heart she displayed when reading the essay, that she received a five-minute standing ovation! This achievement would help pave what the future would hold for her! After relocating to Orlando, Florida with her parents and brother, she graduated from Bishop Moore High School and Valencia Community College. She then lived in Germany from May 1986 to November 1986, during which time she traveled to Belgium, France and Holland. Upon returning to the United States, Michelle began employment with Harcourt Brace Jovanovich/Sea World as Assistant Public Relations Director. She was instrumental in setting up the Sea World Penguin Encounter, at which time she was thrilled to meet with Walter Cronkite and Bob Hope. In fact, her living room bookcase was covered with pictures with her, Bob Hope and some happy penguins! Michelle later married, during which time, she continued her education at Rollins College and became the mother of three children. She once was quoted saying, "in all her prior achievements, her greatest achievement by far was her three children!"

In 2005, Michelle's life completely turned around after suffering severe injuries she sustained from an automobile accident. In lieu of college, work and PR, she spent her time sharing corny jokes with her dad, and enjoying TV re-runs from the 90's! However, Michelle never gave up! She had a favorite saying, "I'm a tough ole broad" and that she was! Fighting through her handicaps, she was able to once again begin a new life! She moved to Winter Park, Florida, where she and a roommate shared an apartment. She enjoyed her walks to the park, and just sitting in the apartment courtyard, chatting with neighbors and loving on their dogs. Unfortunately, her sudden passing is a hurt and shock to so many! Michelle will be remembered for the pride she had in her children, her dedication to her Catholic faith, her love of animals and always helping others! She is survived by her three children, Amanda, Noah and Zachary Wagner; mother Theresa Connor, (pre-deceased father Dennis Connor); (pre-deceased brother Dennis Connor, Jr.), brother Shawn Connor and sister-in-law Suzana Wik-Connor.

A memorial mass will be celebrated in her honor at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5125 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, in southwest Orange County, Orlando, Florida 32819 on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 8:30a.m., followed by interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, Florida. All are invited to attend.