Jean Wagner

Jean Marie (Minotti) Wagner, 94, passed away peacefully at Elderwood nursing facility in Burlington, Vermont on July 24, 2023. She was born on May 10, 1929, in Burlington, Vermont to Robert and Malvena (Bombard) Minotti.

Jean loved reading, learning, gardening, and visiting with friends over desserts. Beloved and respected as a teacher at Bristol Elementary, Robinson School in Starksboro, and Champlain Valley Union high school, her childhood and adolescent years were marked by academic excellence at Mount Saint Mary’s (now Mater Christi) school, where she regularly won achievement awards in various subjects, acted in plays, and performed myriad acts of community service with her classmates.

She joined the order of the Sisters of Mercy in 1947, where her service to God and humanity ranged from teaching activities at Camp Marycrest in Grand Isle, Vermont, to venturing to missions in Africa. Among the Sisters, she would meet two lifelong friends: Connie (DeMarse) Morrill (d. 2016) and Sister Gertrude Myrick.

After 20 years, she departed the convent to pursue a secular life of teaching. While teaching at CVU high school, she met her future husband, Larry Wagner. They began work on their dream home in Starksboro, Vermont, a dual-hexagon structure designed by Mr. Wagner, inspired by his love of math and geometry, and hand-built by the couple and Larry’s children: Gerry, Joseph, Michael, Richard, Steven, and Teresa.

Jean is survived by her sister Ann (Minotti) Fortner; nephew Stephen Fortner and his fiancée Madalyn Tanner; the above-named stepchildren; and many friends and neighbors to whom her fiercely independent spirit and uncanny stamina even in her advanced years made her a local legend. These friends include Sylvia Coffin, Marcia Dominic, Linda Dreaney, Gene Giroux, Jim and Sandy Hines, Kim Keyes, Maxine Leary, Mary (Whalen) Leonard, Pam and Sandy Lord, Scott and Amy (Russell) Mansfield, Sister Gertrude Myrick, David and Janet Russell, and many more. Last but not least, her beloved tabby Marvin, the living embodiment of “Tigger” — any memory of Jean would be incomplete without honoring her love of the stories of Winnie the Pooh and the simple philosophy of kindness they express.

Jean was predeceased by (in chronological order) Mr. Wagner, and friends Connie Morrill, Margot Gilley, and Gertrude Bingham.

There will be a celebration of Jean’s life Saturday, September 16 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Alliance Church in Hinesburg, Vermont. The family thanks Pastor Scott Mansfield for his generosity and support, both spiritual and logistical. All who attend will have the opportunity to share memories with the group if desired. In lieu of flowers, guests may optionally bring their favorite cookies or dessert for a cookie swap, as Jean encouraged anyone who visited to enjoy one (or several) during their stay.

Those who are able are invited to donate to Jean’s memorial fundraiser at [GoFundMe](https://www.gofundme.com/f/celebrate-the-life-of-jean-wagner)