People in Places
Marguerite Wagner Newtown Square’s Newest Centenarian by Christina Manning
St. Patrick’s Day is always a celebration for Marguerite Wagner, but this year was extra-special: She celebrated her 100th birthday. Even though a party gathering wasn’t possible, she did receive phone calls and cards from her dear family and friends all around the U.S. “It was a quiet birthday, but it was so nice to hear from everybody,” noted Marguerite. Born in Malvern, Marguerite grew up in Paoli with her parents and brother Paul. She met her husband Gus when they both joined different neighborhood choral groups. Both groups were losing members, so a decision was made to combine groups. The rest is history. Gus was a Design Engineer. “He was quite clever,” Marguerite said. “There wasn’t any broken thing that he couldn’t figure out a way to fix or find a solution for.” After getting married, the Wagners lived in Ardmore for 25 years before moving to Newtown Square in 1980. They became quite active in the choir at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, and also enjoyed being in some Marple-Newtown Players’ shows.
Marguerite and Gus had two amazingly creative children: Carol and Richard. Carol has been a Horticulturist at Haverford College for the last 32 years, after graduating from Longwood Gardens. Richard and his wife are both artists, and their son David is very talented musically. “Carol and Richard got their artistic talents from their father,” recalled Marguerite. After Marguerite graduated from Tredyffrin-Easttown High School (now Conestoga HS), she worked as a Dental Assistant. She later also worked for 18 years as a Secretary at Haverford College. During World War II, Marguerite worked with the Red Cross, taking First Aid and Home Nursing Care courses, and going through some practice field situations, like mock air raid response drills. She never signed up to join the Army or Navy because her experience caring for local dental patients was so greatly needed and appreciated.
Old World Traditional Italian Cuisine Meets New World Style Daily dinner specials, including Lobster, Prime Rib or Veal Private rooms with various party packages available for all occasions Happy Hour! Mon. - Fri., 4:30 - 6:30pm, bites & drinks in the bar
Reservations: www.LaLocandaPA.com or 610-353-7033 • 4989 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square 32
Newtown Square Friends & Neighbors
May 2020
