Elizabeth (Betty) Smith Wagner passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at Parker at Monroe, Monroe Township after l00 full, active, meaningful years.
Betty Wagner was born on the family farm in East Brunswick, New Jersey on October 22, 1917, daughter of Roman and Mary Oehl Smith and sibling of Isabelle Carstens, Marjorie Barnwell, Marion (Sister M. Camilla), Linus Smith, Lynette Ten Eyck, Ramona McKeon, Joseph Smith, and Justin Smith.
Betty was a pioneer in many ways. She left the Smith farm to attend Duke University as one of Duke’s earliest female students, graduating magna cum laude in 1941. Following graduation, Betty embarked on a distinguished career as a professional librarian in New York City and Fremont, Michigan. In 1956, she earned a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan.
In April, 1971, Betty married the love of her life, William “Bill” Wagner. The Wagners settled into a historic farmhouse in Cranbury, New Jersey where Betty quickly and indelibly established herself as a renowned and respected pillar of the community. For nearly forty years, she worked tirelessly on numerous boards and committees, through “projects,” and by volunteering to promote and preserve Cranbury’s unique historic and cultural characteristics. She was a focused organizer, leader, and passionate advocate for historic preservation, notably serving for many years as President of the Cranbury Historical and Preservation Society. She was instrumental in the conservation of prime agricultural land in the township. In recognition of her many contributions to Cranbury, she was honored by local, state, and regional civic and government organizations, including being recognized in 1993 by the State of New Jersey for “outstanding contributions to the local history of New Jersey.” Betty took great pride in accomplishments, staying busy, and making a difference!
In addition to being a champion for Cranbury village and township, Betty enjoyed traveling with Bill throughout the world, exploring interesting and exotic places near and far.
Betty was a lifelong, devote Roman Catholic as a communicant at St. Anthony of Padua in Hightstown and most recently at St. James the Less Parish in Jamesburg.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, siblings, and her husband Bill (February, 2018). In fact, Betty referred to herself as “the last leaf on the tree” from her generation of the Roman Smith family. She is survived by several generations of many adoring and caring nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. “Family” was important to “Aunt Betty,” who encourages us to stay connected, set goals, and be active, contributing members of our communities.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Saint James R.C. Church, 36 Lincoln Avenue, Jamesburg, NJ.
Interment will follow at Holy Cross Burial Park, South Brunswick, NJ.
Visitation for friends and family will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the A.S. Cole Son & Co. Funeral Home, 22 North Main Street, Cranbury, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mrs. Wagner’s memory to Cranbury Historical & Preservation Society, P.O. Box 77, Cranbury, NJ 08512, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities Retirement Fund, 6900 Buckley Road, Syracuse, N.Y. 13212 or the church of your choice.
