Marguerite "Margie" Elias Wagner

Marguerite Elias Wagner, 96, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on October 1, 2024, in the compassionate care of Wesley Willows in Rockford, Illinois. Born on April 21, 1928, in Duluth, Minnesota, Margie lived a life of dedication, grace, and civic engagement.

After graduating from Ward-Belmont Finishing School, Margie attended both the University of Minnesota and the University of Colorado where she met her loving and supporting partner for life, Charles. Charlie’s professional life took them together to various cities including Evanston, IL, Minneapolis, MN, Elm Grove, WI, Rockford, IL, and ultimately retiring in Sarasota, FL. She left a lasting impact on every community she touched.

A passionate advocate for the arts, Margie made her mark on Rockford’s cultural landscape by founding the fundraising arm of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra. Her leadership as the first woman president of the Symphony's board was groundbreaking, and her commitment to advancing the arts in the nation was evident in her involvement with the American Symphony Orchestra League's Women’s Council.

Margie was also a civic leader, serving on the inaugural board of directors for Rockford’s Metro Centre and the board of directors for Swedish American Hospital. Her vision and service to these organizations helped shape their futures, reflecting her deep sense of community responsibility.

A life-long adventurer, Margie shared her love for boating with her husband, embarking on a remarkable journey of The Great Loop from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to Sarasota, Florida, and up the Eastern Seaboard to Rochester, New York. Finally settling in Sarasota, Margie & Charlie spent 25 fun-filled years with friends exploring the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean together on their trawler, the Sea Cay.

Margie’s life was a testament to her generosity, her love of family, and her unwavering commitment to, and support of, her husband. She is survived by her children, who will forever cherish her legacy of kindness, strength, and inspiration. Mark (Carol) Wagner, Nancy Reints, Casey (Doris) Wagner and Jeffrey (Suzanne) Wagner. Loving grandchildren include Alyson, Andrew, Michael, Rebecca, Cayden and Amelia. 

Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wesley Willows Good Samaritan Fund to honor her legacy. 

A private family service will be held to honor her memory. To send online condolences and share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.