Ethel M. Wagner

Ethel M. (Todd) Wagner, born June 10, 1930, died December 15, 2019, of natural causes, aged 89 yrs., 6 months, 6 days. She was born in the Allentown, PA, area and lived there until she moved to Bethel Park, PA, in November 2018 to live with her daughter. She was predeceased by her parents, Edgar C. and Margaret M. (Souders) Todd, and 7 siblings, and by her husband of 48 years, Rudolph F. Wagner (d. 1996). Surviving her are 4 siblings: Elmer J. Todd, Edgar C. Todd, Carolyn M. Holdren, and Gene F. Todd; 4 children: Thomas J. (Regina) Wagner, Robin L. (Stephen) Michaels, Joann J. (Dennis) Bair, and Eric Wagner; 10 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.

Ethel met her husband Rudy while she was playing percussion for the American Legion Band, and they married in 1948. She worked as a sewing machine operator in several Allentown clothing factories through the 1960’s. Sewing was one of her passions for many years. She was a talented seamstress, made much of her children’s clothing while they were growing up, and even did alterations in her home for a time. She also volunteered for the Jewish Community Center’s “Nearly New” shop from the early 1980’s through the mid 1990’s.

Those who knew her found her generous, cheerful, and friendly. She enjoyed polkas, baking, helping out her children, and spoiling her grandchildren. Her family and friends will miss her dearly.