Patricia Wagner

Patricia Paxton Harvey Wagner took on several roles during her lifetime. As wife, mother, teacher, attorney, caregiver, grandmother, and friend, she provided a role model for many with grace and endurance. Her optimism and calm demeanor made her a pleasure to be with, as well as her sincere interest in the lives of those around her.

Born on April 15, 1943, Pat was the first child of Robert A. and Martha Paxton Walker Harvey. She was born in New Castle, but grew up in Mt. Summit, a small community of only 500. Her father worked as an attorney, her mother as a teacher. Upon Terry's arrival in their family, Pat embraced the duties of teasing and helping her little brother like a good big sister will.

Growing up, Pat was something of a tomboy and was the best softball player in town. When she reached a certain age, however, her mother decided she needed to be more ladylike and put a stop to Pat's "skirt in the dirt" ways. Pat attended Mt. Summit Elementary and High Schools. The school building was right across the street from their house, so she could walk home for lunch. A hard working, successful student, Pat graduated second in her class.

Pat decided to go to Hanover College. One day when she was a freshman, a young fellow approached her while she was walking to class. She found out his name was Gerry and he was a senior. He asked her out and Pat accepted. After dating for a short time, Pat and Gerry were married on June 2, 1962. The following year, they received the gift of their son, Bob. Their precious daughters Gretchen and Emily later added to the joy in the family. Pat was a loving, patient mother and made sure that each of her children knew how much she cared for them.

Gerald got a job in Ft. Wayne and Pat transferred to St. Francis College from which she graduated. She loved school, majoring in English. Later the family moved form Ft. Wayne to Lafayette, and Pat began her teaching career at Central Catholic High School as an English teacher. The family moved once again, this time alighting in Muncie, and Pat taught English and social studies at Yorktown High School. She taught advanced, regular, and remedial levels. At one point, she accepted the responsibility of the cheerleading sponsor. Her experience in this capacity nearly caused her to leave teaching.

While evaluating her career status, she visited a student counselor at Ball State University. He asked her if she had ever thought of doing anything besides teaching. They talked about a new career and eventually Pat decided that she was interested in pursuing law. Pat and Gerry traveled to Mt. Summit to tell her parents, a bit uncertain about the response they would receive. As might be expected, her father was excited, but her mother expressed some hesitation about making such a drastic change.

In 1975, the Wagners moved to Indianapolis, specifically Southport, where they planned to live a few years. A few years turned into sixteen. Pat started law school at the Indiana University School of Law, Indianapolis, and graduated in 1978, magna cum laude. She went to work for AFNB, now Bank One, in estate settlement. She advanced to the position of Regional Estate Settlement Manager for Bank One's private client services over Indiana, Wisconsin, and Kentucky. Pat loved her job and provided a level of service that was truly exceptional. She went above and beyond the norm in her service to her clients.

The Wagner family faced some of life's most difficult circumstances and Pat rose to the challenge. In 1990, their son Bob moved back home. He had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was in need of living assistance. Pat was devoted to Bob's care and comfort, and was a shining example of unconditional love and sacrifice. The family lost Bob in 2002, but had been strengthened by their tragedy, led by Pat's unwavering dedication.

Pat's love for literature lasted her entire life. She loved to read, especially on the beach in the summer sun. She was an avid jazz fan, attending the Indy Jazz Fest every year. She enjoyed traveling and had visited various places, but her health disallowed her from seeing one place she longed to go…England. She loved time with family at Christmas. Over the years, she became a very good cook. Community service was important to Pat. She was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church, the Indianapolis Bar Association, and the Estate Planning Council of Indianapolis. She also served on the board of the Family Service of Central Indiana.

Pat is survived by her husband of forty-two years, Gerald; daughter and granddaughter, Gretchen and Shelby Wagner; daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Andrew Hodson, all of Indianapolis; brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Janet Harvey of New Castle, Indiana; nephews, Joel (wife Kelly) of Richmond and Benjamin Harvey of Washington, D.C.; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Guilfoyle of Jacksonville, Florida.

Pat passed away on Sunday, July 11, 2004, at St. Vincent Hospice. Her son, Robert, preceded her in death. Pat was sixty-one.

Friends will be received on Friday, July 16, from 4 - 8 PM in Fellowship Hall at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Funeral services to celebrate Pat's life will begin at 2:30 PM on Saturday, July 17, in the sanctuary of the church. To read Pat's complete life story, share a memory, order flowers, or make a memorial contribution to Family Service of Central Indiana or St. Luke's United Methodist Church Youth Center, please visit her personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

Pat had a quiet voice, but she spoke wisely and had valuable things to say. Her life spoke volumes, as well, and her example of service, hard work, and sacrifice will continue to speak to all who knew her.