SISTER MAGDALINE WAGNER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SISTER MAGDALINE WAGNER At Taché Nursing Centre, on February 24, 2007, surrounded by her sisters, the Grey Nuns, staff and friends, Sister Magdaline Wagner returned peacefully to our Heavenly Father at the age of 75 and 53 years of religious life. . Born in Kendal, Saskatchewan on February 26, 1931, Magdaline Wagner was the fifth of a family of eight children. Her father, Herman was born in Russia and her mother, Barbara Kram, in Poland. Both migrated to Canada in 1910, where they met, married and chose to live on a farm in Saskatchewan. As a young woman, Magdaline worked at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Regina. God used this first working experience with the Grey Nuns, to manifest His will concerning her future. Four years later, in August 1951, Magdaline left Regina to enter the Grey Nuns' Novitiate in St. Boniface, Manitoba. On February 15, 1954, Sister Wagner consecrated herself to God in the footsteps of Saint Marguerite d'Youville. Immediately following her profession, Sister Magdaline was missioned to St. Boniface General Hospital as kitchen aide but soon was asked to replace the Sister in charge as she became ill. During her eighteen years in the kitchen, she was requested to organize kitchens in various places: St. Paul Hospital in Saskatoon, St. Joseph Hospital in Gravelbourg, and the Provincial House. Sister Wagner was recognized for her skillful planning, organizational skills, interest in work and ability to motivate co-workers. In 1982, after enjoying a year in religious studies in Spokane Washington, Sister Magdaline returned to St. Boniface General Hospital. This time, she worked in the Patient Library and was happy to distribute books and other reading material to patients on the various units. This ministry she did until 2004. She found time also to participate in walk-a-thons, raise money for different organizations and groups such as Kiwanis Club, SBGH Research Foundation, Pro-Life, Sara Riel and St. Amant Centre. In everything she did, Sister Wagner was known as a dedicated, hard worker and faithful servant to all those who needed a helping hand. She found her strength in her daily encounter with her Lord in prayer and the Eucharist. Sister Magdaline Wagner leaves to mourn two sisters: Eleanor (Fink) and Alma (Reid) and one brother: Henry (Claire), three sisters in laws: Beth, Peggy and Erika as well as many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her parents, three brothers: Tony, Bill and Gandolph, one sister Mathilda and two brothers-in- law: Edward Fink, Bob Lunnin A liturgy of the word will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at Despins Residence, 151 Despins Street. The funeral mass will be presided by Father James Gray on Wednesday, February 28 at 1:00 p.m. at the same place. The Grey Nuns wish to thank the staff and pastoral care workers of 3DE of Taché Nursing Centre for the excellent care provided to Sister Magdaline Wagner. Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of the arrangements 233-4949 or toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2007