Obituaries

LANSING - Diana Joan Georgia Wagner, age 77, of 452 Ridge Rd., Lansing, NY passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at her home following a lengthy illness.

Born January 3, 1931 in Elmira, NY, she was a daughter of the late Ralph Rayburn and Tressa M. Georgia. On August 7, 1953 she was married to Edward Phillip Wagner, Jr. at the Ludlowville Methodist Church. He died February 23, 1999. Diana's life was about love and devotion to family and work. At a young age growing up in Myers, with no mother at home and her father becoming chronically ill, Diana learned one of life's greatest gifts was that of a caring community. She in turn carried on that gift throughout her life, caring for family and neighbors alike. Diana's illness brought her full circle, once again being supported by her caring community. She started her professional career at G.L.F. in 1948. In 1954 she went to Cornell University and in 1993 she retired, to care for her ill husband. Following his death, she worked at the E.C. Wagner Funeral Home of Ithaca. Her family, friends and career meant everything to her.

 

Diana is survived by her son, Edward R. Wagner and his life-partner, Gary J. Tyrrell of Lansing, NY; daughter and son in law, Cheryl E. and Hayes A. Salsman of Gallup, NM; granddaughter, Leah M. Salsman of Staten Island, NY; sister, Miriam "Shirley" Doran of East Hazelcrest, IL; brothers and sisters in law, Maynard "Bud" and Marsha Georgia of Trumansburg, NY and Ronald and June Georgia of Elmira, NY; her special niece and care giver, Claudia Georgia of Ithaca, NY and several other nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her loving mother, Myrtle Delia Georgia, grandson, James H. Salsman, brother, Ralph James Georgia, sisters in law, Myrna and Helen Georgia, and brother in law, Joseph E. Doran.

 

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at the Lansing United Methodist Church, 32 Brickyard Rd., Lansing, NY with Rev. William Gottschalk-Fielding officiating. Burial will be private. Friends may call from 11:30 am - 1 pm at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Hospicare and Palliative Care Services, 172 E. King Rd., or Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, 612 W. State St., Ithaca, NY 14850 or a charity of one's choice. Perkins Funeral Home, 55 W. Main St., Dryden, NY is handling the arrangements.