Rosemary A. Wagner

Rosemary A. Wagner, of Richard Street, Bedford, died Sunday, October 11, 2015 at her residence. She was born on June 20, 1938 in LaVale, MD, a daughter of the late Nelson and Verta (Steinla) Robinson. On October 1, 1959, in Winchester, VA, she married Donald M. Wagner and he preceded her in death on October 28, 2011. She is survived by two daughters:  April wife of Dennis Burket of Altoona, and Inez wife of Stephen Morgart of Hillsboro, VA., seven grandchildren:  Chelsea and Micah Burket, Sarah Shipp, Rachel Hammond, Margaret, Olivia, and Jackson Page, two brothers: Nelson Robinson and wife Barbara, of Stafford, VA, and Stephen Robinson and wife Patricia, of Fairfield, PA, two sisters:  Margaret Burgess widow of Donald of Dayton, MD, and Linda Athey and husband Colvin of Cumberland, MD. A former son-in-law Tracy Page and wife Dena of Hamilton, VA.

Rosemary grew up in Union Grove, near Cumberland, MD.  She told of many fun adventures, including exploring caves, with her siblings and friends.  After graduation from Fort Hill High School she attended Catherman’s Business School and worked as a bookkeeper.  After marrying her husband she worked as a homemaker using her skills as a teacher, seamstress, gardener, and home canner to raise her family.  In 1971 she fell in love with her home and property in Rainsburg, PA.  She became an active member in her community serving as a bookkeeper for the Water Authority and getting to know everyone in town as she delivered their bills.  She could also be found manning the “snack shack” on the Bedford Springs Golf Course.  In the mid-70’s she took her wonderful singing talent to the stage alongside her husband in bands including the Beau Sha Lings, Fred Shannon Smith Orchestra, and Reminisce entertaining many fans.  She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, always being described by those who knew her as “sweet”.  As a grandmother she always brought fun to the mundane things with her love of games and song.  She maintained her joyful spirit as she braved cancer twice and later many trying health hurdles.  She continued to enjoy outings with her family, even traveling to Alaska this past summer.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.   Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.