ANTOINETTE WAGNER
Antoinette “Toni” Vaughn Wagner, 85, recently of 56 Washington Street, Mystic, died peacefully in her sleep on Friday February 28, 2003.
She was the beloved wife of 60 years of Gilbert C. Wagner, who predeceased her on November 15, 2002.
She was born July 30, 1917, in Springfield, MA, the daughter of Charles and Katherine Vaughn. She was raised in Bronx, New York and attended Columbia University receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College in 1940 and a Master of Arts degree from Teachers College in 1941.
Upon their marriage on January 3, 1942, Gil and Toni moved to West Virginia where two of their nine children were born. Toni devoted her professional life to the teaching of physical education, first at the elementary level in West Virginia during WWII.
In 1946 the family moved to Leonia, New Jersey where she taught at Saint John's Elementary School and brought seven more children into this world. Relocating to Gales Ferry, CT in 1963, when her husband was transferred to Pfizer in Groton, she worked for the Groton Public Schools at Cutler Junior High School.
In 1967, she joined the Connecticut College faculty as an Associate Professor of Physical Education. Toni taught courses in recreational leadership, swimming, folk dance, and archery. She was the aquatics director and swim coach for the college and supervised Red Cross swim programs for all levels. She worked for the advancement of women's intercollegiate sports as it evolved over her 22 year tenure, retiring from Connecticut College in 1979.
A woman of great faith, she shared her many talents to improve our community. Toni and her family celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry and later, St. Patrick Church in Mystic. She and Gil chaired the annual Parish Festival at Our Lady of Lourdes. She was involved in religious education and numerous scout troops, often serving in a leadership role. Her passion was swimming. She worked for the creation and improvement of recreational programs and facilities, serving as director of the summer swim programs for Ledyard and the Girl Scouts. Toni could organize a "Blue and Gold" dinner for 500 or keep 200 campers entertaining themselves on a rainy day. She loved fishing on the lake at twilight or lying on the sand by day. Her peers consider her a master of bridge which she played with a passion.
Toni was also well known for her role as "Maxine", the Hallmark card character created by her son, John Wagner. Toni and her son were featured in the media in "People", "The Day", and "Good Morning America" sharing their perspective on how she provided inspiration for the character.
She will be remembered for her many visits to local nursing homes and senior centers to share "Maxine" cards and memorabilia.
Toni will be forever cherished by the many who loved her including her children: Carol and Ed Daniels of Fort Pierce, FL; Dr. Charles G. and Patt Wagner of Milford, DE; John and Marge Wagner of Prairie Village, KS; Timothy and Barbara Wagner of Glastonbury, CT; Peter and Pat Wagner of Oakdale, CT; Mary Wagner of Groton, CT; Thomas and Miriam Furey-Wagner of Quaker Hill, CT; Dr. Ann Marie Mires of West Gloucester, MA; and Dr. Michael and Tracy Wagner with whom she made her home in Pembroke, MA. She is also survived by one brother, Charles Vaughn and his wife, Sally of Portsmouth, NH, and two sister-in-laws, Miriam Morgan of Gastonia, NC and Alice Ann and her husband, Alan Willis of Morris Plains, NJ. She was a proud grandmother of 23 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Her family greeted over 250 relatives and friends at The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, historic downtown Mystic on Wednesday.
A Funeral Mass was con-celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Patrick Church, East Main Street, Mystic under blizzard-like conditions. The Rev. Robert McNulty and The Rev. Charles McGrail, celebrated Toni's Mass. Reflections were offered by Fr. McNulty and various family members. Hymns included, Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, and Ave' Maria.
Toni was then laid to rest beside her belvoed husband, Gil, at the church cemetery, St. Patrick Cemetery, on River Road, in Old Mytsic.
Contributions may be made in her name to the Connecticut College Swim Team, the Office of Development, Connecticut College, New London, CT 06220 or Maryknoll Mission Association of the Faithful, PO Box 307, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0307., or St. Patrick Cemtery, PO Box 235, Mystic CT 06355.