ALBANY – Rosemarie Wagner, 92, of Teresian House Nursing Home slipped away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022.
Rosemarie was born to Herman and Mary Ann Charbonneau in Stamford, Connecticut. She attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart high school and Mount Saint Vincent College where she earned a degree in education. Rosemarie was a beloved and outstanding eighth grade English teacher in CT, N.Y., and N.J. The happiest moments of that stellar career were at the Academy of the Holy Names. She loved her AHN students and colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends. She was the first to receive the Teacher of the Year Award, acknowledging her deep commitment to her students’ academic and personal growth and well-being.
While Rosemarie loved her teaching career, her family was the center of all she did. It didn’t really matter where mom was, she was happy as long as family was by her side. She enjoyed holidays, vacations, and ordinary days with the love of her life, John, whom she married in 1957. She also loved time spent with her granddaughters or tending her beautiful gardens. She will be remembered by friends as a loving person truly concerned about others, and acquaintances for her gracious smile and upbeat spirit. Her family will remember her marvelous ability to transform a house into a warm, loving home where all were welcome at any time. She will be deeply missed.
Rosemarie is survived by her husband of 64 years, John, her two daughters, Maryann DeSanctis (Edward) of New Hartford, NY and Kate Wagner Shamlian (Harry) of Latham, NY, her five granddaughters, Gabrielle, Ruth, and Emma DeSanctis, and Elizabeth and Victoria Shamlian, her brother, Herman Charbonneau (Mary), and sister, Anne Tuttle (Hoyt). She was predeceased by her son, John, whom we are sure greeted her with joy and a great joke.
The family would like to thank the extraordinary care team on unit 5A at Teresian House, as well as Deacon Gary and Jackie for their unending kindnesses throughout her time there. Donations in her memory may be made to the Carmelite Sisters of the Aged and Infirm at the Teresian House Nursing Home at 200 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, N.Y.,12203.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m., and from there to Christ the King Church, Sumter Ave, Guilderland, at 10:00 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. The parish family of Christ the King Church will gather in the funeral home at 4:30 pm Wednesday for a service of prayer and remembrance. All are welcome. Interment will be in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Click here to view Rosemarie’s resting place in Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery, Niskayuna, NY.
This is a video tribute to Rosemarie:
Sharon and Chuck Dunham
My beloved friend and colleague has transitioned into the Hands of our Lord. She is at peace. I’m certain she will be looking down from heaven to be there for her family and friends. My regret is we are 1200 miles from Albany and won’t be at the funeral.
Heather V
Maryann I am so sorry for you and your family’s loss.
Phyllis D’Antonio
What a pleasure it was to have known your mom.We used to laugh because she began teaching at Holy Names after I left when she inherited some of my teaching manuals with little notes( some indecipherable)
I also knew her from CTK church when I lived in Guilderland where she always gave me a warm and welcoming smile.Then I reset her again when I became a Holy Names Associate!She has been an inspiration during her declining years.I’m glad I had the chance to see her at St.Peter’s where I volunteered!I know how much you will miss her but for sure she will always be by your side.God Bless you all!My thoughts and prayers for your loss.
Shannon Lenet
What a wonderful woman Rosemarie was. Her legacy of faith and love lives on in her family and the students she inspired. My prayers and love go out to her family especially her friend and life’s companion, John. She added so much to our SNJM associates.
Kathy Boel Mattison AHN '89
Kate and Family,
I am very fortunate to have had your Mom as my 8th grade English teacher at Holy Names! Mrs. Wagner taught us all about Johnny Tremain, the joy of free writing, and that you need two s’s in dessert because you always want more. She will be remembered by myself and so many as a wonderful and caring teacher. My sincere condolences to your family.
Lisa James Benanto ‘ 88
Mrs. Wagner was my 8th grade home room teacher. She was always so kind and patient. I was so chatty as a student she would have to move my seat every few days. Years after I graduated, I came back to AHN as a long term art substitute, she became a mentor at that point in my career. She encouraged me with the same kindness and care, as she had when I was her student.
My sincere condolences.
Mary E Riegert
It was a blessing to know and teach with Rosemarie at Holy Names. Heaven has gained a true angel.
Molly Magguilli-Rhodes '98
Mrs. Wagner was one of my most favorite teachers at AHN. Working with her on the newspaper in 8th grade is something I remember to this day. She always had a kind word and gentle way. I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know she is thought of and will be missed.
-Andy Alpart
Dear Kate,
I am sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing. Knowing the kind of teacher you are, I can imagine the example she must have set. My condolences go out to you and your entire family.