Jean Louise VanAlstyne Wagner
Marcy, NY
Jean Louise VanAlstyne Wagner, Marcy, NY, child of God, daughter of James and Louise, wife of Mike, mother of Jim, grandmother of Asher and Levi, companion to Max, completed her earthly journey at Wynn Hospital on December 7, 2023. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her loving family.
Jean was born on February 4, 1949 in Cooperstown, NY, and attended Herkimer schools. She was a graduate of Herkimer College, the College of St. Francis, and Syracuse University. She spent her career in the service of others, starting as a lab technician at St Elizabeth and Faxton hospitals and retiring from Mohawk Valley Community College as Emeritus Professor of Biology.
Jean was united in marriage with R. Michael Wagner on August 26, 1972, in Herkimer, NY. As their son, Jim, stated in his toast at their 50th Anniversary Celebration last year, theirs was a union filled with wisdom, compassion, sacrifice, faith in God and faith in one another. These were the compass points that guided them through all their joys and sorrows.
Jean was faced with many health challenges during her later life. She faced them all, not only with courage, but with grace and dignity. Throughout this time her faith never wavered. She was of the Catholic faith, but as a life-long learner, she was continually exploring and studying all things spiritual - always reading, always seeking, always learning.
Jean shared in Mike's passion of all things automotive and they could be seen together at many local car shows and events. Jean herself was the proud owner of several collectible automobiles. She was a music lover, filling her home with music and always dancing to the rhythm of her own life. That love was handed down to her son and already can be seen in her grandsons. Jean also had a talent for gardening and all things green. Mike often referred to their home as an "in-house jungle." Presently her Christmas cacti flourish. She shared this talent with many, always willing to share her knowledge and skill. Jean had a fondness for antiques and jewelry and enjoyed discovering treasures at antique shops and flea markets.
Jean was involved in several charitable and professional organizations, most notably Alpha Chi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, a professional society for woman educators. She served in many offices and committees on both the local and state levels. Jean counted many of her chapter sisters among her dearest friends.
Always cherishing her memory are her husband of 51 years, R. Michael. Mike was always Jean's source of support and encouragement, especially during the last few years. Also surviving are their devoted son, James Wagner and his wife, Dr. Sally Sayles-Hannon, her grandsons, Asher Wagner and Levi Wagner, all of Clay, NY; step-sister and brother-in-law Leola and George Streeter of Ilion, NY; step-sister Donna Miller of NYC; sister-in-law Leanne W. Jardine, Deerfield, NY, and Leanne's fiancé, Bruce Oldfield of Binghamton, NY; Mike's aunt, Ruth Solan of Utica, NY; and her canine companion, Max.
Jean will be welcomed into eternity by her Savior and those who preceded her: her parents, James and Louise VanAlstyne; half-sister Ann VanAlstyne; stepfather, Gordon Waufle; an aunt, Frances Hoffman; cousin Alison Hoffman; cousin Edgar Hoffman who served on the SS Leopoldville during World War II and was lost at sea. Also in-laws, A. LeRoy and Doris Wagner; brother-in-law, Thomas J. Wagner; and canine companion Dutch.
Services will be held on Friday, December 15, at the Dimbleby Funeral Home, 40 Main Street, Whitesboro, NY. Calling hours are 12 noon to 3 PM followed by her service officiated by Father Marin Pociecla, chaplain at Wynn Hospital.
Though Jean spent her life in the Mohawk Valley, she found her greatest joy and peace at the family summer home on Piseco Lake. It was the scene of countless gatherings of family and friends from childhood to the present. She will be laid to rest in the spring in Higgins Bay Cemetery, near the place that was closest to her heart.
The family expresses their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the seventh floor at Wynn Hospital, especially, Father Marin Pociecla, Dr. Hamerton Jeanty of Wynn Hospital and Dr. Ashok Patel and PA Benjamin Johnson of CNY Cardiology. Their counsel, kindness and compassion for Jean and her family will long be remembered. Our sincerest gratitude also to dear friends, Penny and John Boyer and Judy and Richard Hilton. Their steadfast love, and encouragement always provided support and comfort. Jean's family would also like to thank Kim Santa Maria and Krissy Sciortino for their valued assistance and many acts of kindness during this time.
Memorial donations may be directed to the Mohawk Valley Community College Foundation, 1101 Sherman Dr., Utica, NY 13501 or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, PO Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4 verse 7)
For online expressions of sympathy please go to
www.dimblebyfh.comPublished by Daily Sentinel from Dec. 13 to Dec. 14, 2023.