Dr Elizabeth F. Wagoner

Elizabeth F. Wagoner EdD, RN

Dr. Elizabeth Wagoner, Professor Emeritus, 86, passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at Freedom Village. She was the wife of the late Frank James Wagoner, Sr. who passed away in 2011.

Born in Long Island, NY on December 22, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Marie (Lehritter) Fox. She earned her BSN from Ohio State University in 1957 and her master’s degree from Columbia University in 1963. In 1964, she answered President Kennedy’s call to “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country” and joined the New Jersey Air National Guard as a Captain. Dr. Wagoner received her doctorate in Education from Rutgers University in 1979. She developed the RN to BSN nursing program at Immaculata University, then College, where she taught until her retirement in 1997. She was active in many nursing and health related organizations throughout her career.

Dr. Wagoner was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Pennsylvania Nursing Association, was President and Treasurer of CCNA, and chaired the Pennsylvania nursing articulation model committee of the PA baccalaureate and higher degree nursing program. In 2006, she received the Pennsylvania State Nursing Association’s Distinguished Nurse of the year award, and at one time was recognized for her contributions to the Chester County Mental Health Society.

Elizabeth was an ardent advocate for educational mobility opportunities and programs for graduates of hospital and associate degree programs in nursing. She was a published author of “The Face of Nursing, Chester County, PA” and “Caregiver’s Lament”. She was an avid traveler, visiting over 20 countries in her lifetime with her family and friends.

Surviving are her children Michael G. Wagoner of Downingtown, Dr. Jean M. Shingle, wife of Brian of Coatesville; grandchildren Erik A. Shingle and Emily M. Shingle; sister Jane Lincoln; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her son Frank J. Wagoner, Jr., sister Mary Alice Serdock and brothers Barry Fox and Robert Fox.

Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation Saturday, July 17 from 1:30 to 2:30 PM at the James J. Terry Funeral Home, 736 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335. Memorial Service will follow at 2:30 PM. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Immaculata University, Division of Nursing, 1145 W King Road, Immaculata, PA 19345.

Click here to link to Elizabeth's book, "Caregiver's Lament" 

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