Mary Eileen Wagner

Mary Eileen Wagner
Mary Eileen Wagner, age 86, of Redding and formerly of Wilton, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2025, surrounded by her family. Mary was born on February 4, 1939, in Syracuse, NY, to James Gerald and Frances Eileen (Norton) McGillen.
Mary graduated from New Hartford High School, where she proudly served as head majorette. She went on to attend Mt. Aloysius College, earning a degree in Secretarial Sciences in 1958. She started her career at General Motors which took her to both Utica, NY, and Washington, D.C.
It was during her time in Washington that she met the love of her life, Martin Samuel Wagner. They married in 1965 and shared 60 wonderful years together. Their life brought them from Manhattan to Hartsdale, NY, before settling in Connecticut. After several years in New Canaan, they made Wilton their home in 1978, remaining there until early 2025.
Mary was fun-spirited, warm, and endlessly devoted to her family-especially her grandchildren, whom she spoiled with boundless affection. She was an avid sports fan and rooted passionately for her favorites, including Steph Curry, Derek Jeter, Aaron Judge, and Travis Kelce.
A gifted home cook, Mary created gourmet meals with ease and joy. She also found deep happiness in gardening, spending countless hours tending the flowers and plants in her beloved backyard. She even took her talents to the local florist, Wallflowers, and worked among some of her closest friends. Her lifelong affection for frogs was well-known; they appeared everywhere-scattered in her garden, her kitchen backsplash, her shelves, and even her license plate. Over the years she lovingly cared for several pet frogs-Jeremiah, Claudius, and Priscilla-who lived in a tank on her kitchen counter.
Mary was an active member of the Wilton Garden Club, where her memorable claim to fame was renting out the newly renovated Old Town Hall for a national commercial. She volunteered for years with Minks to Sinks, preparing her famous meals for fellow volunteers, and when A Better Chance opened its doors in Wilton, she faithfully baked and delivered cookies to the scholars each month.
During her final months, Mary became deeply cherished by the community at her assisted living facility. The outpouring of love from the staff spoke volumes about her ability to connect with others. Many shared warm stories, and nearly all said the same thing: they laughed with her.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James; her sister, Jeanne; and her nieces, Lisa and Gina. She is survived by her devoted husband, Martin; her children, Kelly and Neil; her grandchildren, Noah, Molly, and Logan Gels, and Martin and Emma Wagner; and her nieces and nephews-Karen, Jack, David, John, JG and Noel-along with countless friends she made throughout her life.
Mary will be remembered for her strength, resilience, and the deep love she carried for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, kindness, and treasured memories.
Per her wishes, there will be no services. The family would like to thank the many therapists, nurses, and aides who cared for her throughout this year.