Catherine Marie Wagner - Obituary

atherine Marie (Liguori) Wagner, known affectionately as Kate, passed away on April 28, 2025, in Edgewater, Maryland, at the age of 80. Born on April 9, 1945, in Berwick, Pennsylvania, she was a daughter to Eris Lehman and John Liguori, and wife of 37 years to Thomas Wagner, before his death in 2016. Catherine grew up in a close-knit family environment which shaped her into a loving and caring individual. Kate spent her life nurturing her family and was a pillar of strength and love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughters, Jamie Phillips (Robert) of Edgewater, MD, and Christine Hammel of Hazleton, PA; sons, James Wagner, Sr. of Swiftwater, PA, and Jon David Wagner (Trista) of Berlin, NJ; sister, Dorothy Anderson (Andrew) of Conyngham, PA; brother, David Lehman (Cheryl) of Mountaintop, PA; grandchildren, Justine Dixon (Benjamin), Amanda Wagner, David Sutkus (Kayla), Jenna Sutkus, Thomas Phillips (Allison), Meghan Phillips, Alexandra Toohil, Abigail Wagner, Emma Wagner, James Wagner, Jr., and Connor Durant; great-grandchildren, Victoria, Aidan, Charlotte, Zoey, and Jack along with several nieces and nephews; and her Beloved dog and constant companion, Rosebud. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas Wagner; her children, Joseph Hammel and Jesse Hammel; siblings, Laura Ashman, Joan Evancho (John), and Norman Lehman; and her mother, Eris Lehman. Kate was a devout member of SS Cyril & Methodius Parish in Hazleton, PA, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Edgewater, MD, where she participated actively in community and spiritual activities. Her faith was a significant part of her life, and it reflected in her dedication to her community and family. An avid enthusiast of bingo and puzzles, Kate also enjoyed frequent visits to casinos, cherished family vacations, and took great pride in her gardening skills. These hobbies brought her much joy and allowed her to share wonderful moments with her family and friends. Kate Wagner's legacy of love, faith, and kindness will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kate’s life on Saturday, May 31 for a gathering at 9 am followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 am at Saints Cyril and Methodius Parish, 604 N Laurel Street, Hazelton, PA 18201. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, an organization close to Kate's heart, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others, especially children. Online condolences may be made by using the Memories tab on this page.