Betty G. Wagner
December 13, 1926 - March 29, 2024
Betty G. Wagner, age 97, of Greenville, DE, and formerly of New Castle, DE, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the Country House.
A native Virginian, Betty was born in Newport News, VA, on December 13, 1926, daughter of the late Estelle and John L. Gall. She graduated from Newport News High School, and earned an undergraduate degree from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, and a graduate degree from the University of Virginia’s School of Medical Technology in Charlottesville, VA.
Betty married Charles W. Wagner, M.D., on June 13, 1950, and settled in New Castle, DE, where she created a long, full, and vibrant life of professional excellence, service to her community, musical expression and enjoyment, and devotion to her family and friends. She began her career as a medical technologist at the Wilmington Hospital and was professionally active in the New Castle area for over 40 years.
A strong and devoted participant in the community, Betty was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church and later the New Castle United Methodist Church, Lions Club, and Delaware Saengerbund, and volunteered for the Delaware Art Museum, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and many other organizations. Volunteering for the Hagley Museum and Library was one of her most-cherished commitments, where she served as a docent for 40 years and received the Governor’s Outstanding Volunteer Award for Arts and Culture in 2009. Music was always an integral part of her life, and she was happiest when learning and sharing it with others. Betty enjoyed singing in the church choir, and playing her violin in area string ensembles and with the Brandywine Pops Orchestra of which she was a long-time member.
Betty Wagner is survived by her children, Charles “Chuck” Wagner IV and his wife, Cathy, of Wilmington, DE, Virginia W. Foster and her husband, Franklin, of Williamsburg, VA, and Beth W. Perugini and her partner, Paul Forster, of Wilmington, DE; sister, Virginia D. Gall, of Newport News, VA; three grandchildren, James W. Perugini of Wilmington, DE, Alexandria Foster of Charlotte, NC, and Carolyn Wagner of Philadelphia, PA; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her two brothers, Carl Gall and Filbert Gall.
The family would like to thank the employees of the Country House for their kindness and care of Betty during her residence there for the past 7 years.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Country House, 4830 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hagley Museum and Library, P.O. Box 3630, Wilmington, DE 19807 or online by clicking here; the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, 2700 Pennsylvania Avenue, Arsht Hall, Wilmington, DE 19806 or online by clicking here; or to the charity of your choice.
Tina Fontana
Mrs. Wagner was my Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. She was kind patient and a great leader and teacher. I lived not far from her when I was raising my own children and would see her often out on a walk in Penn Acres. My condolences to her family and to Beth who I went to school with. My sincere condolences to Beth and all the Wagner family. Tina Dixon Fontana.
Ginny Bennett
I am so sorry to learn of Betty’s passing. As Hagley volunteers, we spent many wonderful hours on the Gibbons House porch and in the Sunday School. In recent years I was always overjoyed to see her at the Fireworks. Betty was a sweet, charming woman; she seemed genuinely interested in being with you, with her honey voice and glistening eyes. I will not be in Delaware at the end of the month or I would tell you these things and pay my respects in person.
Keith Farmer
So sorry to here of Betty’s passing. She and Doc were great family friends for my entire lifetime. I would see her at church and at the Delaware Saengerbund and she would always have a kind word and a smile on her face. Our deepest sympathies to the entire Wagner family.
Susan Maden Beaver
Sincere condolences for your loss of your beloved Mother. May she rest in peace. 🙏❤️
LindaFoster
Wishing the family of Mrs. Wagner my sincere condolences. I know the memorial ceremony will please her. Wish I could attend.
Linda Martin
So sorry to see the passing of Mrs Wagner. She was a long time neighbor in Penn Acres. Missed seeing her walking in the neighborhood when she moved to the Country House. She was a very kind & pleasant lady. My sincere condolences to her family🙏🏽🙏🏽
Rosemarie Nicholl
My sincere condolences to the family. I grieve with you for I have lost a good friend. Betty and I were fellow volunteer docents at Hagley, she served for 40 years, I served for 37, and over these many years we found we had so many things in common. I will remember Betty and our long conversations , and also her passion for ice cream when we sat together. I will miss her. With sadness
Rosemarie Nicholl
Kathy Hanebutt
Sending sincere condolences to you in the loss of your dear mother. I have fond memories of her sparkling blue eyes, her sweet chuckle, and her kind, supportive demeanor. Such a fine lady who raised a beautiful family. The service in the Country House Chapel was so fitting for her. Sincerely, Kathy (K) Hanebutt