Nena J. Wagner

Nena Jo (Hamby) Wagner, 84, passed away on April 23, 2021 surrounded by loving family members. Born on December 30, 1936 in Albertville, Alabama to James Terry and Emma Jean (Silas) Hamby, Nena was the oldest of four siblings. At the age of 16, Nena moved with her family to Toledo, Ohio, where both of her parents worked in the automotive industry. After graduating from Woodward High School, she attended the University of Toledo. Nena began her career with Surface Combustion Co., followed by General Tire’s Textileather Division, where she met her future husband, James E. “Jim” Wagner, with whom she spent 55 wonderful years of marriage. Nena and Jim had three children and seven grandchildren. Her unconditional and boundless love for her family was obvious to all who knew her. She took an active role in her children’s lives in many ways, including Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout leader, Southview High School band booster, and all-around enthusiastic supporter of their wide variety of activities and interests. As a beloved “Nana,” she was especially proud of her grandchildren, thoroughly enjoying every moment she spent with them. She participated in and supported their activities, going above and beyond to make each child feel unique and special. Nena was a strong proponent of higher education and was so proud of her children and grandchildren’s choices to pursue college degrees. Nena’s greatest joy was her family, and the time they spent together was precious to her. She and Jim took annual family vacations across the United States, often visiting national parks and monuments along the way. They even attended the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. In 1991, on their 25th wedding anniversary, Nena and Jim discovered their love for international travel on a Mediterranean cruise. They had the good fortune to travel extensively during their retirement – often with family or friends – throughout Europe, including: England, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Italy, as well as to China, Kenya, and Trinidad & Tobago. At home in Toledo OH (1968-73), Conroe TX (1973-76), and Sylvania OH (1976 -2021), Nena was a dear friend, neighbor and colleague to many. Over the years, she worked in administrative and financial roles for the Epilepsy Center of NW Ohio, Oakleaf Village Assisted Living, and Macy’s department store, as well as for a glassblower, insurance agent, physical therapist and a public relations firm. Nena’s faith was very important to her. She was an active member of Christ Presbyterian Church in Toledo, where she served a Deacon, Stephen Minister and a member of the Women’s Ministry. She was also a dedicated Bible Study Fellowship participant as well as a mission/outreach volunteer and an organizer of the church’s annual “garage sale” fundraiser. Preceded in death by her parents, James T. and Emma Jean Hamby, and her in-laws Howard G. and Margaret Wagner, Nena is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Jim Wagner of 55 years; by her children Kristina Wagner Moore and partner Andrew Karaffa of Georgetown TX, Melinda Wagner Arrigo of Toledo OH, Eric Wagner and wife Suzy of Arlington VA, and (nephew) Daniel Hamby of Syracuse IN; and by her beloved grandchildren Katie and Jackson Moore, Lucy and Tallula Arrigo, and Christopher, Gillian and Matthew Wagner. She is also survived by her siblings Nelda Hawkins of Oneonta AL, James Edward (Faye) Hamby of Swanton OH and Jimmy Ronald Hamby of Syracuse IN; by her in-laws Patricia Danca of New York, Robert Wagner of New York and Howard (Joanne) Wagner of The Netherlands; by numerous nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren; as well as by her countless friends. Nena Jo (Hamby) Wagner was deeply loved and will be missed by all who knew her. A celebration of Nena’s life will be held Friday, July 9, 2021 at 12:00 pm in Christ Presbyterian Church, 4225 W. Sylvania Ave, Toledo, OH 43623. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Northwest Ohio or Christ Presbyterian Church, Toledo Ohio. Arrangements by Walker Funeral Home, Toledo, OH (419-841-2422).