Frances Claire Wagner (nee McDonnell), 95, of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully at home on July12, 2024, surrounded by family.
Frani was spirited, engaging, intellectually curious, and loving. She had a wonderfully droll sense of humor and laughed easily. Her creativity and tenacity were boundless.
Frani was born in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, the youngest of six siblings born to Myles and Agnes McDonnell. She and her sisters were educated at Melrose Academy in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania.
Before her marriage to Gordon John Wagner in 1948, Frani modeled for Elizabeth Arden. In her mid-fifties Frani earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Social Work degrees from Antioch College before launching a gratifying, 20-year career as a therapist and substance abuse counselor with Interact, a community-based organization in Philadelphia.
In her free time, Frani painted, drew, cooked, and baked with skill and passion. Her brown-edged cookies were legendary. She loved football and could recite the names and positions of players on the NFL roster at a whim. She read voraciously about all sorts of subjects that interested her, and the list was long.
Frani is survived by her children Earl Scott (Phyllis), James Randall (Victor Malanowski), Gordon Keith, Stanton Cahil, John Adam (Heather), Susie Gorley and Cheri Wagner; grandchildren Samantha Wagner (Paul Campagna), Jaime Frantz (Adam), Carlee Wagner (Zack Mouawad), Jake, Rachel (Nick Held); several greatgrandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon John Wagner, in 2002.
Fran was dearly loved, and she will be sorely missed.
A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, July 24, at 10:30 am at St. Bridget Roman Catholic Church in East Falls, 3667 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19129. Visitation precedes the Mass at 9:30 am.
She was larger than life. I miss her already.
Rest in peace, Aunt Frani. Give our love to Snook. xoxoxo
LOVE AUNT FRANI!