Carol J. Wagner

Carol Jeanne Wagner, 79, passed away on September 21, 2026, at Sharon Hospital in Sharon, Connecticut, with the compassionate support of The East Mountain House in Lakeville. She was born March 22, 1947, in Winchendon, Massachusetts, the daughter of Chester R. Dunican, Sr. and Helen Juanita Dunican Brown. Carol graduated from Bennington Catholic High School with the Class of 1965, where she excelled academically and served as captain of the color guard. She remained connected to her classmates throughout her life and proudly attended her 60th high school reunion in September 2025. Carol met Richard “Rich” Wagner through her cousin Jamie Boss, Rich’s best friend. They married on June 16, 1967, at her grandmother’s home in Bennington, Vermont, beginning a marriage and family that became the center of Carol’s life. Rich served as a submariner in the United States Navy, and together they eventually made their home in Connecticut and later Ashley Falls, Massachusetts.

Carol was immensely proud of her family: her four children, Rachel Leigh and her husband Robin, Rebecca Wagner, Richard Wagner and his wife Ginger, and Ruth Clouser and her husband John; her 13 grandchildren—James, Danielle, Brett, Renee, Markenzia, Jazmine, Devon, Marissa, Oliver, Payton, Jenaveeve, Kaya, and Henry; and her four great-grandchildren—Robert, Silas, Savanna, and Reagan.

Carol was exceptionally creative and resourceful. Her work included crocheted lace trim for Neiman Marcus, upholstery and window treatments for Country Curtains, costumes for Sharon’s Playhouse and Southern Berkshire Regional High School, and teaching sewing to children at Sharon’s Center School. She was especially proud of a quilt she created for the children’s book “Letters From the Animals,” an international project she completed in collaboration with Rich.

Carol was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and faced her illness with courage and determination. In her final days, The East Mountain House provided compassionate care, dignity, and support to Carol and her family. Among those who became especially meaningful to Carol and her family was Sharon Charde, a compassionate volunteer whose presence brought comfort and a special human connection during this difficult time.

Carol was predeceased by her beloved husband, Richard “Rich” Wagner; her parents, Chet and Juanita; and her sister, Juanita Ann, who died in infancy.

She is survived by her children and their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sister Dianne Sunda and her late husband, Jack; her brother Chester Dunican, Jr.; and her brother Gregory Dunican and his wife, Cassie, along with cousins, extended family, and many friends who loved her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol’s memory to The East Mountain House. https://eastmountainhouse.org/donate/ . To send remembrances to her family please go to https://www.finnertyandstevens.com/obituaries/carol-wagner