Elsie Dora (Lewis) Wagner

Elsie Dora (Lewis) Wagner

Elsie Dora (Lewis) Wagner, 101, of Olympia, Washington, passed peacefully into the arms of her Lord and Savior on March 5, 2026, at Mother Joseph Care Center. She was born in Olympia, Washington, on Jan. 15, 1925, to Ray F. and Aletha “Lee” (Mercer) Lewis.

She was raised in Olympia and graduated from Olympia High School. Shortly after graduation, she married the love of her life, John P. Wagner, on June 6, 1943, and exactly one year later, on their first anniversary, they awoke to news of the Allied invasion of Normandy — D-Day. They were married for more than 66 years when John passed away on Thanksgiving Day in 2009.

Elsie and John were long-term members of Tumwater Baptist Church, and later joined Sleater-Kinney Road Baptist Church. Elsie and John faithfully volunteered for over 30 years at the Crisis Pregnancy Center (now known as Options Pregnancy Clinic). Their consistent, unselfish actions quietly but firmly reflected their faith.

For the past nearly 10 years, she was a resident at Mother Joseph Care Center in Olympia. At the Care Center she met many wonderful people, both fellow residents and staff. Elsie was very well-known in the community for her daily rounds in her wheelchair to “inspect and supervise the hallways.” She was crowned the Queen of Valentine’s Day during her first year at the facility and remained the unofficial Mayor of Mother Joseph.

Her sister Rosie, her last surviving sibling, poignantly shared her thoughts about Elsie: “Life brings sorrowful times to everyone. We all face them in our own way, but through it all, she gave so much and was surrounded by people who cherished her. Elsie lived a very long and full life, filled with love, challenges, and moments that shaped her and her family. Elsie’s warmth, gentle spirit, and devotion to her family will be profoundly missed.”

Elsie is survived by her son, Terrance (Evelyn) Wagner, Austin, Texas; her daughter, Pamela (preceded in death by her husband, Randy) Sapp, Olympia, Washington; and her daughter-in-law, Teresa (Ranieri) (widow of her son, Robert) Wagner, Apache Junction, Arizona. Also surviving is her sister, Rosie (Brostrom) Savage, Cumming, Georgia. She is also survived by six grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, three (and two more expected this year) great-great-grandchildren.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband, John P. Wagner; her son, Robert Wagner; her sister, “Dodi” (Lewis) Hacker; and her brothers, Donald Brostrom, Theodore “Ted” Brostrom, and Rudy Brostrom.

A large festive gathering of family and friends celebrated her 100th birthday in Olympia in January 2025, followed by a more intimate celebration of her 101st birthday in January 2026. True to form, during this year's celebration, Elsie had scheduled a well-deserved nap for the same time.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date for the family. Remembrances may be made in Elsie’s honor to the church or organization of choice.