Rita Rose Wagner

Rita Rose Wagner died in the early morning hours of January 10, 2026 at Hope Hospice in Lehigh Acres, Florida.

Rita was born on February 13. 1947 in the Bronx, New York.

Rita attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in the Bronx. Rita attended Cardinal Spellman High School for two years. Upon her family’s move to Harrington Park, New Jersey, Rita attended and graduated from Old Tappan Regional High School.

Rita started her working career as a waitress at the lunch counter at the Woolworth’s in Closter, New Jersey. She moved on to a bookkeeping position with a bank in New Jersey at which she worked for 21 years.

Rita moved to Florida in 1986 where she worked in an administrative position in the Lee County government.

Rita completed her working career at the bakery counter in the Publix grocery store in Lehigh Acres where she was known as “the cookie lady”.

Rita had an abiding faith and was a devoted member of St. Raphael’s parish in Lehigh Acres where she was supported by many wonderful people. Rita taught CCD at St. Raphael’s.

Rita enjoyed the music of her youth, particularly Paul Revere and the Raiders [featuring Mark Lindsay]. Rita was an avid sports fan who rooted especially for the Yankees and the Buccaneers.

Rita had a keen attention to detail and a remarkable memory, being able to recall the birthdates of all of the members of her large extended family.

Rita was predeceased by her parents, Joseph Wagner and Rita Wagner [McDarby]. She is survived by her sister, Christine Heflin and her husband, Reid Ewing, of Salt Lake City, Utah and her brother Joe Wagner and his spouse Mary Jane of Lyman, Maine. Rita is also survived by her nieces Sarah Wagner, Meghan Pleiderer, Rebecca Wagner and Catherine Wagner and her nephew, Reid Edward Ewing.

A memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 pm Saturday, January 24th, 2026 at St. Raphael Catholic Church 2514 Lee Blvd. Lehigh Acres, FL 33936.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to Catholic Relief Services.