Bernadine Wagner's Obituary
Bernadine Carmella Wagner (75) passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025 in Lakeland, Florida surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 16, 1950 in Chaleroi, Pennsylvania, she spent her childhood in Pricedale, Pennsylvania. Bernie battled cancer for the last eight years of her life, but throughout this challenging time, she continued to create a lasting legacy of memories through the love she showed her family and friends.
She was married to the love of her life William K. Wagner for 56 years. She and Bill subsequently raised their family between Miami, Florida and Chantilly, Virginia before retiring to Lakeland, Florida. Bernadine attended California State College of Pennsylvania to become a teacher and also spent many years managing accounts at Composites One in Lakeland.
She was a woman of faith who enjoyed gardening, decorating, shopping, listening to music and especially dancing. However, her greatest passion and joy came from spending time with family and sharing laughs together.
Bernadine is survived by her loving husband William Wagner of Lakeland, Florida, two daughters, Beth Witherspoon (Lee) of Crossville, Tennessee and Amy Rack (Russ), of Lakeland, Florida, two grandsons, Jordan Wagner and Zach Lake of Lakeland, Florida and one great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Wagner, of Lakeland, Florida. She is preceded in death by her parents Ridsy and Francis (Galano) Calderone and her five siblings.
The family would like to give thanks and great appreciation to all her doctors and to Good Shepherd Hospice for the loving care provided during her final days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (https://give.bcrf.org).
Visitation will be held at Gentry Morrison Funeral Home at 3350 Mall Hill Drive in Lakeland on Monday, December 8 from 2- 4 pm. The family invites her friends and loved ones to join them after the service at her home for food and fellowship to celebrate her life.
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