By Colleen Pollock

Published: Friday, March 1, 2013, 10:39 p.m.
Updated: Friday, March 1, 2013

Christine F. Wagner had a bright smile, said friends who knew her. It was a smile that was contagious.

The Connellsville woman who served the Connellsville community on many different levels, passed away on Friday at Mt. St. Macrina Care Home in Uniontown.

She was 59.

Wagner served many years as the executive director of the Greater Connellsville Chamber of Commerce. She served a term on Connellsville City Council.

Friends are remembering the community leader as a lover of the arts who was bright, vivacious and a person who knew how to get things done.

Wagner was a former director of the State Theatre in Uniontown. She also once owned a dance studio in Connellsville.

“Chris was a dear friend, and it was a pleasure to have served with her,” said Connellsville Councilman Brad Geyer, who served with Wagner from 2002 to 2006. “A million things come to my mind about her. Her blunt honesty was refreshing, and I'll always remember her love of the arts,” Geyer said.

Nancy Henry, who served as chamber president for a period while Wagner was chamber director, will remember her colleague's work ethnic, enthusiasm and her smile.

“She could accomplish anything she put her mind to,” said Henry. “Our community has lost a lot in her passing. People always commented on her smile. It was brilliant.”

Henry said Wagner will be remembered for many of the things she accomplished in town — one being an advocate for completion of the bike trail through the city. She also worked tirelessly for the chamber.

“She also had a great love of the theater, and she had many, many, many friends. She really enjoyed life,” Henry said.

Wagner was married to Fayette County Judge John Wagner of Connellsville. She is also survived by four children, John Walker Jr.; Diana Lowry and husband Jesse of Connellsville; Katherine McCombie, also of Connellsville; and Courtney Wagner, who is residing in Boston.

Funeral arrangements are being made by the Vito C. Martucci Funeral Home in Connellsville.

Colleen Pollock is a freelance writer.

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