Debbie Wagner passed away Friday evening, January 15th at St. Andrew’s Healthcare in Batesville, where she had been a resident for the past several years. Born on Dec. 3, 1958, Debbie had just turned 62 years and survived a long life with Down’s Syndrome. She was preceded in death by her father, Virgil, who passed away in 1990 and her mother, Ann, who died in February of 2020. Surviving are her brothers, Gene (Gayle) Wagner of Beech Grove, Indiana, Gary Wagner of Indianapolis and her sister, Darlene (Dave) Jonas of The Villages, FL. Besides her siblings, she has many cousins, nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.
Growing up, she attended Batesville Elementary School and went on to attend the New Horizon’s Workshop. She would say that her job there was to “take parts apart and put them together”. She was proud of her work. Debbie loved music. Even though her Down’s syndrome often left her unable to walk, she could dance whenever she heard music. It filled her soul.
Debbie loved to sing. Her favorite songs included, “Jesus, Loves Me” and “You are My Sunshine”! She loved McDonald’s Cheeseburgers, French fries and Diet Coke and let everyone know, when asked, what she would like to eat. She was lovingly cared for by the wonderful staff at St. Andrew’s Healthcare. There she lived for several years alongside her mother who resided at the same facility until her passing last February.
Debbie was a special child, never met a stranger and was loved by everyone that knew her. She was loved deeply by her family and lived a long happy life of 63 years. One of the particular joys of her life was the day that she was able to move to St. Andrew’s Healthcare to live out her days near her mother’s presence.
A family burial will take place at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to the New Horizon’s Workshop or to St. Andrew’s Health Campus Activity Fund and sent to the Weigel Funeral Home (P.O. Box 36, Batesville, Indiana in care of the Wagner family). For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.