Karla Wagner

Dr. Karla Montgomery Wagner, 69, of Leland, North Carolina, passed away suddenly in the arms of her husband Rich on May 9, 2026, in her home.

Born on August 6, 1956, Karla graduated from Franklin & Marshall College and later received her medical degree from Penn State Hershey Medical School. She pursued a fulfilling career as a board-certified pediatrician for over 44 years. She set up her own pediatric practice, Bright Oaks Pediatric Center, in Bel Air, Maryland, where she cared for many children as Harford County's Best Pediatrician.

Karla was preceded in death by her brother Harry Kurt Montgomery and her father, Harry Brown Montgomery. She is survived by her husband Richard Wagner. They were high school sweethearts, and Rich knew then that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Years later they were reunited and were married for almost 33 years. Rich will always ask Karla for her gentle guidance and thank her for making him a better human being.

She is also survived by her mother Emmy Montgomery Koethe, who remembers Karla with pride for her accomplishments and gratitude for her constant support throughout life; her sister Karin Montgomery Kaser, who considered Karla her best friend and who cherishes the unconditional love they shared; her children Amelia [Emmy] Jamison [Zach Gieske], Molly Jamison [Jeffrey Levine], and Harry Jamison [Emily Hanak] and her step-children Kris Wagner [Carlene] and Erika Wagner, who all relied on her infallible Dr. Mom advice for all things, both medical and everything else in life; and her grandchildren Clementine, Evie, Ashlee, Alex, and Jon, who gave Karla her greatest joy of being "Mommom" or "DeeDee" to them.

She also sadly left behind her aunt Lynda Manz [Greg], brother- and sister-in-law Wayne [Bill] and Maryanne Wagner, as well as a large extended family including her cousin Gayle Smith, nieces and nephews and their families, her lifelong friend Trude Amick, and many other dear friends and colleagues. She will be deeply missed by all.

Karla was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at 13, but her irrepressible spirit defied all odds to nurture not only her own family but countless others. She enjoyed nothing more than being among the people she loved, sipping Coke Zero and talking about everything and nothing at once. She loved her beautiful garden, cake slices with icing rosettes, Prosecco at happy hour with Rich and with her mother, and listening to Harry play the piano.

Guests are invited to Advent Lutheran Church, 1601 Green Lane, West Chester, PA on May 28, 2026, for a Gathering at 10:30 am and Memorial Service at 11:30 am. All will be welcome at a reception and Celebration of Life to follow at Teca Restaurant in West Chester, PA. Those unable to attend will have access to a Zoom live-feed of the Memorial Service by sending their email address to [email protected].

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Karla's honor to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund at https://www2.breakthrought1d.org.