Mary Judith Wagner

Mary Judith Wagner (Judy) died in the arms of her loving husband, General Louis C. Wagner, Jr. (Lou), in their home in Alexandria, Virginia on July 27, 2022. She had been recovering from a serious injury several weeks earlier.

Judy was born in Glasgow, Montana on April 18, 1934. Her father was Daniel W. Gifford, a career U.S. Army Corps of Engineers civilian engineer. Her mother was Florence Mary Auckley Gifford. She had an adventurous childhood because her family moved frequently. This included memorable childhood years in the Panama Canal Zone leading up to the start of World War II when the wives and families were moved back to the United States. Her mother, sister Jane, and Judy settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where her father later joined them on being transferred to the St. Louis District, Corps of Engineers.

Judy attended Webster Groves Missouri High School, followed by a short time at Southeast Missouri State College. It was during this time that she became a skilled tennis player under the guidance of her father. Judy met her future husband in the fall of 1954 on a blind date, shortly after his graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. They were married on September 24, 1955. The marriage resulted in a long adventure as an Army wife that Judy embraced enthusiastically.

Judy was an avid volunteer throughout her life. During her husband’s 35-year military career, she worked closely with numerous military organizations, taught preschool at several schools including West Point, and was a tour guide for the Washington Guide Service in our nation’s capital. She also volunteered with many local community organizations. These included the Girl Scouts, local children’s organizations, and youth sports clubs. Judy was a devoted member of her church, serving on the Alter Guild and spending years delivering Meals on Wheels.

Judy was a skilled tennis player throughout her life and joined many local tennis clubs. She particularly enjoyed spending time at their vacation home in Bethany Beach, Delaware, with its many tennis facilities. Her many interests also included reading, gardening, bridge, cooking, knitting, and sewing. Above all, Judy enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Judy was a loving grandmother to Jennifer Payne (Kenneth), Jeffrey (Lindsay) Washechek, James (Brianna) Washechek, Bridget Hanley, Elizabeth Hanley, Claire Hanley and six great grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, her daughters Susan Jeanne Washechek and Amy Lynn Hanley, and her brother, Daniel Wenzell Gifford, Jr. She was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Gifford Gorman, and by their son, Stephen Carson Wagner.

A Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of Judy will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St., Alexandria, VA 22314 on Saturday, September 17th, at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the National Military Family Association, 2800 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 250, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.militaryfamily.org