Joann Nelda Wagner

1935 - 2023

Wagner, Joann Nelda

March 9, 1935 - November 5, 2023

passed away at sunset on November 5, 2023. Joann was 88 years old, born in Houston, TX, daughter of the late Frank and Nelda (Reich) Diffenderfer. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Carl Wagner in 2006. They were happily married for 51 years. She was a graduate of Breckenridge High School and San Antonio College. Joann & Carl's first date was to high school graduation, 1953. They married in 1955, initially settling in College Station, TX, and upon Carl completing college, they resided in Atlanta, GA and Buffalo, NY. Buffalo was home for over 40 years where together they raised their family and forged many lifelong friendships. As a child during the depression and WW2 era, Joann attended ten schools in ten years lending her a natural affinity to easily befriend those in her life. She adored children and taught nursery school for over 20 years, her life's passion, and was a parishioner for more than 40 years of Trinity United Methodist Church, Amherst, NY. They both shared a love of roses and became members of numerous local and national rose societies. In 2001, Joann and Carl moved to their family ranch near Leakey, TX enjoying retirement until Carl's death. Joann then relocated to Seneca, SC and Niskayuna, NY to be closer to her children and grandkids. She is survived by her children, Pam Sysak, John (Laura) Wagner and Mary (Anthony) Benjamin. Grandchildren, Thad, Emily, Tyler, Austin, Maxwell and Preston, six great-grandchildren, her sister, Brinda Van (Dan Alimandi), niece Laura Briggs, and dear friends Edna Stoll and Kay McLereon. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 10:00am in St. Pius X Church, Loudonville, NY. To watch a livestream of the service, visit www.stpiusxloudonville.org/livestream/current-livestreams. Internment in summer, 2024 at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, NY. A lifelong champion of children and animals, Joann requested donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or your local Humane Society. Please hug your children and pets in her memory. To leave a special message for the family visit www.NewComerAlbany.com