Janet L. Wagner

Janet L. Wagner

Janet L. Wagner, 72, of Copley, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 22, 2006, at the Justin T. Rogers Hospice Care Center, after a heroic struggle with complications arising from surgery for cancer.

Janet was born in Green Township and lived most of her life in the Akron area. A graduate of the City Hospital of Akron School of Nursing (RN, 1955), she worked at Cedars of Lebanon Hospital in Los Angeles before returning to City Hospital, where she was head nurse on a surgical floor. From 1978 to 1994, she worked as a night nurse at St. Edward's Nursing Home in Fairlawn. She always said, however, that her favorite job was being a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Janet was married to her beloved husband and best friend, Jack in 1961. Together they raised a close-knit family, served their church and community, and enjoyed traveling together throughout most of the 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. Even after a serious stroke nine years ago, Janet continued to bless those around her as a loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and faithful friend. She died surrounded by those she loved, secure in the arms of her Savior.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents, John and Kathryn Draper, and her infant daughter, Julie Ann. Mourning her loss are her devoted husband of 45 years, Jackson R. Wagner; her children, Jennifer Wagner of Copley and Ross (Ronda) Wagner of Princeton, N.J.; grandchildren, Nathaniel, Caleb, Naomi and Claire; brother, John A. (Theresa) Draper of North Canton; niece and nephew, Elizabeth (Timothy) Muckley and Daniel (Shanna) Draper; sister-in-law, Franzine Wagner of Marco, Fla.; and other loving family members and friends.

A memorial service with friends and family will be held Wednesday at Montrose Zion United Methodist Church, 565 N. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Akron, Ohio 44333. Friends may greet the family beginning at 10 a.m.; the celebration of her life will begin at 11 a.m.

The family would be happy if people wear bright colors to the service as a token of joy and hope in the resurrection. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Montrose Zion United Methodist Church.