Elizabeth Frances Wagner

Elizabeth Frances Wagner, 76, of Mabank, Texas, passed away surrounded by family on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Born on September 16, 1948, in Dallas, Elizabeth was the daughter of the late Alois Joseph Gallia and Eleanor Marie Baca Gallia.

Elizabeth, or Mom, attended elementary school at St. Phillips Catholic Church in Dallas, middle school at Bishop Dunne, and graduated from Samuel High School in 1966. She earned her bachelor's in English and Secondary Education from the University of North Texas. Mom and Dad married in 1970. The family moved from Fort Worth to Mabank in 1978, where mom taught thirty-plus years in the Mabank school district, first as a Special Ed teacher, then, most of her career, as a sixth-grade Language Arts teacher. After her retirement in 2002, Mom remained close to her cohort of sixth-grade teachers and other friends she made teaching over the years. These are some of Mom’s dearest friends and supporters.

We grew up as a family at St Jude’s Catholic Church in Gun Barrel City. Mom sang in the choir, volunteered and supported the CCD program, and actively participated in several social and activity groups, including the Ladies Guild. Mom seriously and passionately served as a Eucharistic Minister for many years. She listened and made friends, like she did with everyone, to all she served. Mom focused more on prayer, study of the Bible, and the rosary in retirement. She also enjoyed crafting, after Church breakfasts, and being part of this loving community.

Mom loved traveling, especially traveling to the coast with all the family and then in retirement on solo trips with Dad in the camper. Mom loved surf fishing, reading, writing, gardening (explaining to whoever was there which plants were which), feeding Taco off her plate, lunches with her teacher friends, visiting with old students, keeping up with her eight grandkids and grand-dogs, and having a glass of wine, with a packet of Sweet N Low and ice just like she wanted (if you know, you know).

Along with her parents, Mom was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Wagner, and sister, Cindy Gallia. Elizabeth is survived by her children Chris Wagner and his wife, Shubha, Andy Wagner and his wife Assonta, Alicia Spence and her husband Von, and Jessica Miller and her husband, Jonathan; her grandchildren Will, Joseph, Mara, Noah, Nathan, Evelyn, Sonya, and Augie; her brother Mike Gallia and his wife Marilyn; her best friend Ernie and her wonderful Czech cousins; her Wagner siblings Mary Ann, Rick, Richard, Della, Joe, Marianne, and Patti.

We will remember Mom for many things, mainly her listening, kindness, and support. All she ever asked of us was to pray for her. Please join us if you can.

A rosary vigil and reception will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 2 p.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas. A funeral mass and reception will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Jude Catholic Church in Gun Barrel City, Texas. Inurnment will follow the mass at Eubank Cedar Creek Memorial Park in Mabank, Texas.