Sister Mary Valeria Wagner, SSND
December 4, 1923 – August 20, 2017
Mary Edna Wagner, seventh of the nine children of George and Mary Rose Knodle Wagner, was born in Emmitsburg, Md. on Dec. 4, 1923. Named Mary in honor of her mother, she was baptized and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1923. Mary Edna wrote in her autobiography, “When I was old enough, I started school at St. Mary’s School, Hagerstown, Md.” She was taught by the School Sisters of Notre Dame for 12 years of grammar and high school at St. Mary’s, graduating in 1943.
On August 30, 1943, Mary Edna entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame, receiving the bonnet at St. Mary’s. She said, “I was thoroughly convinced that this was the order for me.” She studied at the Notre Dame Training School for two years while a candidate. She entered the novitiate on July 16, 1945, receiving the name, Mary Valeria.
Sister Mary Valeria professed her first vows on July 31, 1946.
Sister Valeria’s professional education continued at Fordham University, N.Y. where she earned a Bachelor of Science in 1957. She received a Master of Education in reading from Loyola College (now University), Baltimore in 1978.
Sister Valeria was first missioned to St. Rita’s School, Brooklyn, to teach second grade (1946-57). She taught grades one and two at Corpus Christi School (1957-66) and St. Ann’s School (1966-73) both in Baltimore. In 1973, Sister Valeria went to St. Pius X School, Baltimore where she remained until she retired to Villa Assumpta. For more than 40 years at St. Pius X School, she taught kindergarten and the primary grades as well as worked as a volunteer (1973-2014).
Sister Valeria was completely dedicated to her mission as an educator. She made every day an adventure for her students, encouraging them to express their creativity. She was patient with the children, listened to their stories and enjoyed being with them. She continuously strove to keep God’s love before them and to make God alive in their lives. Her aim in the classroom and school was to “offer encouragement, humor and help” to students and faculty, witnessing through her example.
Sister’s extra curricular activities were as unique and innovative as her classroom teaching. She worked with Girl Scouts and Brownies, attended basketball games, and took part in skating and bowling at children’s birthday parties. She was renowned for her recycling and collecting activities, amassing a gigantic aluminum ball and being named Recycling Educator of the Year.
A second ministry was Sister Valeria’s life as the professional clown, “Waggs.” As Waggs, she entertained children and senior citizens. One elderly woman said, “I love it. It’s like being at the circus.” Sister Valeria said, “I get a really good feeling from the people.”
Sister Valeria was an extraordinary woman. Her presence affected the atmosphere wherever she was. She spread love and made others aware of the beauty of God’s presence. She was the gracious and fun loving teacher instilling the joy of learning. She was the treasured family member and friend who brought laughter with her impish smile and great sense of humor.
In describing her ministries as a teacher, clown and friend, Sister Valeria quoted the words of Mother Theresa, “The candle consumes itself as it serves others by its burning.”
Sister Mary Valeria died peacefully at Villa Assumpta on Aug. 20, 2017. A wake service was held on Tuesday, Aug. 29 and the Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated on Aug. 30. Both services were held in the chapel at Villa Assumpta. The Mass was concelebrated by Rev. Roman Kovacheson OFM Cap., chaplain at Villa Assumpta and Mgsr. Rick Hilgartner, pastor of St. Joseph Church, Cockeysville, Md. and student of Sister Valeria. Mgsr. Thomas Baumgartner, former pastor of St. Pius X Church was present at the liturgy. Sister Valeria is survived by a niece and nephews.
Grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears
But laugh and talk of me
As though I were beside you.
I loved you so
“twas Heaven here with you.*
* Essential Celtic Prayers
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Sister Jeanne Hildenbrand, SSND
