Kathleen "Kathy" Wagner passed away on Friday, October 14, 2022 at the age of 74 after a sudden two month battle with advanced stage cancer. Born in Hazleton, Pennsylvania on April 1, 1948 to Pearl and Bernard Evancho, Kathy is preceded in death by her late husband and love of her life, Ronald Wagner. She is survived by her brother Eugene Evancho of Hazelton, her children Heather Wagner Reed, Jonathan Wagner and wife Valerie Wagner of Austin, Texas, her grandchildren Livingston and Lotus Reed and Pearl and Ella Wagner, as well as her stepchildren Chad Wagner, Wayne Wagner and Ron Wagner Jr. and step grandchildren Chase, Reese, Brittany and Zack Wagner.

Known for her vivacious personality and generous spirit, Kathleen was a resident of Shelby, North Carolina for the past 36 years where she was most known for being the owner/operator of Mr. Donut on Marion Street, a very popular community gathering place from 1989 to 1997 that stayed open 24/7. Kathy never met a stranger and often made lifelong friendships with her regular patrons. She was a kind and beautiful woman who was loved by many in her community. She impacted those around her with her authenticity, thoughtfulness, and down to earth personality. She could also tell a good joke. With a bit of artistic flair in her personal style and home, Kathy was also fond of vintage wares and often had booths at the local antique mall. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren in Texas, and of course her dog Moses. Her biggest passion in life most certainly was being a mother and grandmother.

Kathy was cherished even as a young woman where she was selected as Homecoming Queen at West Hazleton High School during her senior year. She then studied at Mount Aloysius College and went on to get her certification in Occupational Therapy. After college, she headed a department at White Haven State Center helping children with intellectual disabilities, often fostering children she worked with. She went on to be an airline attendant for TWA Airlines, followed by years in the travel business as a licensed travel agent, the real estate industry, the vending business as a partner with her brother in Able Vending, then her donut franchise which she shared with her husband Ron. Later they owned and operated Paul Davis Restoration in Charlotte. With her roots in a Polish Catholic family, Kathy went to Transfiguration Catholic school as a child and spent many years as an active parish member at Saint Mary’s in Shelby.

To honor her life, there will be a funeral liturgy followed by a Celebration of Life on Saturday, November 19th. The service will take place at 12 p.m. at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish located at 818 McGowan Road, Shelby, NC 28150 with Deacon James Trombley presiding. Following the service there will be a Celebration of Life and reception at 1 p.m. at The Bankers House located at 319 N Lafayette St, Shelby, NC 28150. All are welcome and are requested to RSVP for both events on this page (https://everloved.com/life-of…)

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/kathleen-wagner/obituary/

Copy