"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die" John 11:25-26
Hi, I am Susie's niece, Kara. Last Wednesday, July 14, Susie passed away, surrounded by family. I write a blog (Life Thus Far...), and would like to share a few thoughts and her obituary which is extremely touching.
I sit here and recall how Susie has touched so many lives, always put others first, and always gave-without wanting anything in return. My Aunt taught me about love, giving selflessly, how to be strong, but of all the things, her unwavering faith. It is hard to say goodbye, although I know Susie is whole and safe. I am blessed to have had her in my life and forever she has changed me, leaving such a legacy to live up to.
This last week was so special as we traveled to Ohio. We had time to grieve together as a family, but most importantly bond as a family. Sometimes it is hard to understand, but life goes on. So together we ate, went bike riding, swimming, and celebrated my cousin Blake's birthday. Probably the most touching part of this past week was the calling hours. A little under 1,000 people attended, wow what an impact Susie had in her short 50 years of life. A reminder that we should live and love as if there will be no tomorrow. Jesus said He is preparing a place for us. We know it is going to be glorious, and my Aunt Susie is already there.
I think you will be touched by Susie's obituary below:
| Susan Elaine Wagner, 50, of Mansfield, died Wednesday, July, 14, 2010 at MedCentral Hospital. Born November 9, 1959 in Mansfield, she was the daughter of Louis and Mary (Sawhill) Nemeth. She worked as a registered nurse at MedCentral Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Blake D. “Doug” Wagner, Jr.; sons, Blake D. Wagner, III, Brenton P. Wagner, and Brandon L. Wagner; mother, Mary Nemeth; sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Loren Owens of Lexington; brother, Louis “Louie” Nemeth, Jr., of Mansfield; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Blake Sr. and Gere Wagner; sister-in-law, Lynn and Mike Wood of Wheaton, Illinois; four nieces; and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Louis Nemeth. Mom, if God had a template for the perfect mother and wife, it would be you. Always caring, always loving, always oriented toward the good in everyone and everything. No matter what weakened state your body was in, you always hid your suffering from us. You never let it dampen your enthusiasm for life, or your love for family and friends. We literally never heard you complain or question why this burden was placed upon you. Your faith was unwavering, your hope absolute. You always insisted, “Don’t worry about me, I’ll be okay.” And now Mom, you are okay. Your body is whole and healthy. As Chris Tomlin sang to us two weeks ago, “No more sorrow, no more pain. I will rise on eagles’ wings.” No one exemplified Christ’s love for us better than you. Playing “Pizza Lady” and board games, preparing blueberry pancakes while camping at Mohican, hosting BONCO parties, walking along the beach at Cape Cod, (we did get you to body surf once!), and jogging at the park with Sahalie and Brewster—you always made ordinary days into extraordinary ones. In the final days of your life, you told us that although we may feel angry at God, He is not to blame. And when we feel fear or sadness, we can pray to Him and He will provide comfort. On the ringtone of your cell phone are lyrics from the Newsboys which capture the essence of your spirit. We will close with them here: “Glorious, shining so glorious. Though I stumble, though I fall, You remain glorious. Towards Your light I come running.” Until we meet again, I love you Aunt Susie. Readers, please take a few moments and comment with your favorite memory with Susie. Thanks! |
