Norma Jean (Joary) Wagner, “Jean,” 87, of St. Louis, Missouri, formerly of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Louis. She was born on December 29, 1933 in Vincennes, Indiana, to the late Hector A. and Clara Eva (Risch) Joary.
She was educated in the Catholic schools in Vincennes, graduated from St. Rose Academy high school in 1952, and was united in holy matrimony with Ralph E. Wagner on August 4, 1956 at the Old Cathedral in Vincennes. She followed her husband’s air-traffic control career throughout the Midwest, eventually retiring first to Santa Claus and then Evansville.
Jean earned teaching credentials from Vincennes University, and spent many years as teacher and substitute teacher. Her free time was split between various church and school volunteer positions in whatever diocese she was living in at the time, neighborhood committees, planning and hosting social gatherings, and being a dedicated mother to her only son, Doug.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Wagner; sister, Linda Myers; and step-sister, Sarah Huffman.
Jean is survived by her sister, Mary Jo Stanhope; brother, Dick Joary; son, Douglas Wagner; two grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; grand nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 15, 2021, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2301 N. Stockwell Road, officiated by Fr. Zach Etienne, with burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit on Sunday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue, and Monday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the church.
Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.
