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February 28, 2018
Services
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Monday, March 5, 2018 from 5-8 PM, with a Prayer Service scheduled for 6 PM. Funeral Services will be held at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from the funeral home, then to St. Mary’s RC Church, Pompton Lakes, where at 9:30 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered.
Colette Adrienne Wagner, born September 3, 1928 in Le Havre, France, left this life early in the morning of February 28, 2018, surrounded in prayer by her loving family.
She was predeceased by husband of 55 years James Arthur, beloved sister Agnes, and loving parents Robert and Raymonde David. She is survived by: brothers Jacques, Jean, Dominique and wife Françoise, François and wife Brigitte - of France; children Jerome, Natalie and husband Tom Vigorito, Valerie - of Wayne, and David and fiancée Kristie Nilsson of Irvington, NY; grandchildren Danielle and husband Julien Pieretti, Anthony Marzocca, Christine and husband Christopher Kearse, Charlotte and husband Jack Flanagan, Brittany and husband Jacob Banks, Lauren Wagner and Theo Kadela; precious great-grandchildren Carson, Cooper, Callahan and Lincoln; and extended family in France.
As a teenager growing up in the north of France during the Second World War, she experienced both the hardships of daily life and the terror of the Occupation. A shy, but very courageous young woman, she left her beloved France to teach French and Latin in Ontario, Canada. When on a tour at the United Nations in New York City, she met a tall handsome gentleman from Chicago, embracing her destiny to build a life and family in the U.S. and eventually becoming a proud U.S. citizen.
A long-time resident of Wayne NJ, she considered the home that Jim found in Packanack Lake to be an absolute paradise – a true blessing and joy. She lodged visitors from France there; she entertained visiting grandchildren there. She marveled in the beloved trees outside her windows and the many splendid sunsets viewed there. She delighted in the spring blooms and fall foliage which adorn the region.
An educator in heart and practice, she taught French to neighborhood children, which afforded her own children the opportunity to study music. She helped them discover academic accomplishment through diligence. Colette remained an active participant in her adult children’s lives, offering unwavering support through life’s ups and downs.
Later in life, she contributed to the upbringing of her grandchildren. Whether spending an afternoon contemplating masterpieces in New York City's museums or offering books in lieu of birthday cards, she helped them open new horizons. She worked tirelessly to offer them exciting activities and outings, including blissful afternoons at Packanack Lake’s East Beach and regularly indulged the family sweet-tooth with freshly baked brownies or cream puffs. As the grandchildren grew up, she never failed to check in on their studies and their professional evolutions. She especially delighted in her four great-grandsons.
She maintained a close relationship with her siblings and extended family in France, through occasional visits and frequent phone conversations. Her interest in their lives was illustrated with each leisurely telephone conversation. Her good cheer and bursts of laughter filled her family with joy during visits to France. There is no doubt that one of her greatest achievements was creating and maintaining ties between her family in France and her American family, forged by the sharing of stories, long vacations spent together, and a shared enjoyment for laughter that bridged any language barrier.
Colette had a way of making everyone feel unconditionally loved and appreciated. Love of and service to family gave meaning to Colette’s life. She always shared a sense of justice and compassion, acting selflessly and living strong values. She inspired her children and grandchildren to emulate her sweetness, kindness, compassion, and supportive nature in their own lives.
Colette will be remembered for her smile that could light up a room and melt away one’s worries and for her hugs that felt like a warm, loving blanket. She will be remembered: for her infinite kindness and patience; for teaching not only the French language, but also courage and perseverance; for instilling in her children and grandchildren a deep respect for the strength of family ties - no matter how great the distance – as well as an appreciation for the French culture and the simple pleasures of life - the smell of baking bread, the dappled light on the kitchen table, the hum of cicadas in summer, the sharing of a good book. She will also be remembered for her adorable French accent which never faded.
We meant everything to her and she was everything - and more - to us. In short, Colette led an exemplary life, practicing virtues which enriched those around her. May we each take a lesson from her.
Over the past year, Colette has experienced trouble settling into her most recent residence, despite innumerable assurances, “You’re in your home, Mom.” May you find peace now, Mom, in your new – your final – home. God bless you. Nous t’aimons – profondément.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Eva’s Village (http://www.evasvillage.org/donate.html).
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Monday, March 5, 2018 from 5-8 PM, with a Prayer Service scheduled for 6 PM. Funeral Services will be held at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from the funeral home, then to St. Mary’s RC Church, Pompton Lakes, where at 9:30 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered.
February 28, 2018
Services
Friends may visit with the family at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road, Wayne, on Monday, March 5, 2018 from 5-8 PM, with a Prayer Service scheduled for 6 PM. Funeral Services will be held at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from the funeral home, then to St. Mary’s RC Church, Pompton Lakes, where at 9:30 AM a Funeral Mass will be offered.
Colette Adrienne Wagner, born September 3, 1928 in Le Havre, France, left this life early in the morning of February 28, 2018, surrounded in prayer by her loving family.
She was predeceased by husband of 55 years James Arthur, beloved sister Agnes, and loving parents Robert and Raymonde David. She is survived by: brothers Jacques, Jean, Dominique and wife Françoise, François and wife Brigitte - of France; children Jerome, Natalie and husband Tom Vigorito, Valerie - of Wayne, and David and fiancée Kristie Nilsson of Irvington, NY; grandchildren Danielle and husband Julien Pieretti, Anthony Marzocca, Christine and husband Christopher Kearse, Charlotte and husband Jack Flanagan, Brittany and husband Jacob Banks, Lauren Wagner and Theo Kadela; precious great-grandchildren Carson, Cooper, Callahan and Lincoln; and extended family in France.
As a teenager growing up in the north of France during the Second World War, she experienced both the hardships of daily life and the terror of the Occupation. A shy, but very courageous young woman, she left her beloved France to teach French and Latin in Ontario, Canada. When on a tour at the United Nations in New York City, she met a tall handsome gentleman from Chicago, embracing her destiny to build a life and family in the U.S. and eventually becoming a proud U.S. citizen.
A long-time resident of Wayne NJ, she considered the home that Jim found in Packanack Lake to be an absolute paradise – a true blessing and joy. She lodged visitors from France there; she entertained visiting grandchildren there. She marveled in the beloved trees outside her windows and the many splendid sunsets viewed there. She delighted in the spring blooms and fall foliage which adorn the region.
An educator in heart and practice, she taught French to neighborhood children, which afforded her own children the opportunity to study music. She helped them discover academic accomplishment through diligence. Colette remained an active participant in her adult children’s lives, offering unwavering support through life’s ups and downs.
Later in life, she contributed to the upbringing of her grandchildren. Whether spending an afternoon contemplating masterpieces in New York City's museums or offering books in lieu of birthday cards, she helped them open new horizons. She worked tirelessly to offer them exciting activities and outings, including blissful afternoons at Packanack Lake’s East Beach and regularly indulged the family sweet-tooth with freshly baked brownies or cream puffs. As the grandchildren grew up, she never failed to check in on their studies and their professional evolutions. She especially delighted in her four great-grandsons.
She maintained a close relationship with her siblings and extended family in France, through occasional visits and frequent phone conversations. Her interest in their lives was illustrated with each leisurely telephone conversation. Her good cheer and bursts of laughter filled her family with joy during visits to France. There is no doubt that one of her greatest achievements was creating and maintaining ties between her family in France and her American family, forged by the sharing of stories, long vacations spent together, and a shared enjoyment for laughter that bridged any language barrier.
Colette had a way of making everyone feel unconditionally loved and appreciated. Love of and service to family gave meaning to Colette’s life. She always shared a sense of justice and compassion, acting selflessly and living strong values. She inspired her children and grandchildren to emulate her sweetness, kindness, compassion, and supportive nature in their own lives.
Colette will be remembered for her smile that could light up a room and melt away one’s worries and for her hugs that felt like a warm, loving blanket. She will be remembered: for her infinite kindness and patience; for teaching not only the French language, but also courage and perseverance; for instilling in her children and grandchildren a deep respect for the strength of family ties - no matter how great the distance – as well as an appreciation for the French culture and the simple pleasures of life - the smell of baking bread, the dappled light on the kitchen table, the hum of cicadas in summer, the sharing of a good book. She will also be remembered for her adorable French accent which never faded.
We meant everything to her and she was everything - and more - to us. In short, Colette led an exemplary life, practicing virtues which enriched those around her. May we each take a lesson from her.
Over the past year, Colette has experienced trouble settling into her most recent residence, despite innumerable assurances, “You’re in your home, Mom.” May you find peace now, Mom, in your new – your final – home. God bless you. Nous t’aimons – profondément.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Eva’s Village (http://www.evasvillage.org/donate.html).
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