Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • August 2, 2024 13 St. Vincent dePaul School recently lost a beloved founding teacher. Elizabeth “Libby” Wagner passed away after a brief battle with cancer. She began her career at St. Thomas School over 40 years ago as first grade teacher. Parents of her students loved her as much as their children did. Murph Fortenberry whose daughter was in Libby Wagner’s first first grade class at St. Thomas had this to say: “Libby showed her students daily that she loved them in so many ways, but there could be no doubt of how much she loved them when she invited the entire class to her wedding. … This epit- omized the big, beautiful, gentle heart of a wonder- ful woman and a wonderful teacher.” Sabrina Schepens whose daughter was in one of Wagner’s last classes said this: “As a parent, Wagner knew I needed a hug from my baby girl and from her teacher so I could leave her at school. She made it easier for me knowing my daughter was with some- one I knew would love her like I do all day long while she was away from me. I will never forget the kindness and love she showed my daughter and me. Her legacy is kindness and love.” After Hurricane Katrina washed away the school, Libby continued teaching first grade at the school’s temporary building -- a skating rink in Long Beach. There she comforted the children and their families as they began rebuilding their homes and school. When the school combined with St. Paul to become St. Vincent dePaul, Wagner continued to teach first graders to read, and to add, and to pray for each other. Wagner taught first grade so long, she taught the children of some of her first students. Jordan Seal, whose dad was in one of Wagner’s first first grade classes, said this: “Wagner was the true definition of a teacher, and who I strive to be in my classroom now. While she was so very great at teaching the curriculum, she was even better at loving us and teaching us to love one another.” Emily Elchos, another former student, wrote to Wagner: “I miss Friday morning Mass days when I could cuddle up next to you in the pew.” Co-workers and administrators loved, respected and admired her. She was a beautiful soul, with a strong faith. She loved Jesus and Our Mother Mary. She shared her faith with everyone, and helped many to find theirs. Cindy Cox, a longtime coworker and friend said, “I had the pleasure of meeting Libby twenty-seven years ago as a brand-new teacher. She always encouraged me to teach as Jesus would teach. Throughout the years, her guidance turned into a true friendship that I will cherish forever. She was a true witness to what it meant to not only be a Catholic but a Catholic school teacher as well.” Terri Dedeaux remembers this: “We only worked together one year before she retired. She taught me a lot in that year, not because I was a new teacher, but because I was new to Catholic education. She was a wealth of knowledge to me and was always willing to share.” A memorial fund has been established at St. Vincent dePaul School to honor Libby’s memory. A statue of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of Catholic education in the US, will be placed in a garden on the school’s campus. If you would like to contribute, please send a check to SVS Memorial Fund, 18585 Ray Road, Long Beach, MS 39560. BY ELIZABETH FORTENBERRY I first met Libby Cornell, later to become Libby Wagner, when my daughters, Kathryn and Rhyne entered St. Thomas School. Kathryn had attended kindergarten at St. Thomas the year before and we fell in love with the school. The following year Kathryn entered first grade with Libby as a brand- new teacher. Libby navigated her first year beautifully, teach- ing the students reading, writing, and arithmetic, their prayers, and beginning preparation for First Communion….even while planning a wedding! We had fallen in love with St. Thomas School the year before, but after a few weeks with Cornell, Kathryn and her class fell in love with their teacher and enjoyed every day of their first-grade year. Libby showed her students daily that she loved them in so many ways but there could be no doubt of how much she loved them when she invited the entire class to her wedding. While it was becoming the trend to exclude chil- dren from weddings and having “adult only” events, Libby and Chuck invited the entire class, their sib- lings, and parents to celebrate their big day. This event epitomizes the big, beautiful, gentle heart of a wonderful woman and a wonderful teacher. Someone once asked my daughters the teacher that had the most impact on their lives. Both girls said that it was Libby Wagner. Libby’s gentle nature and big heart, her love for her family, and her devo- tion to her faith, her church, and her school have been an inspiration to her students and their parents, to her colleagues, and to her community. Libby Wagner St. Vincent dePaul School loses a beloved founding teacher S acred H eart P arish , P ascagoula Installation of Ladies Auxiliary officers The Ladies Auxiliary of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pascagoula held their installation of officers for the 2024/2025 term. The newly elected officers are: Linda Cumbest, president; Sandra Morgan, vice-president; Ronda DeForrest, treasurer; Norma Broussard, recording secretary; Alice Ball, corresponding secretary; Mandie Lucas, historian. The installation was performed by Christine Lachaussee, past vice- president. Following the installation, the members enjoyed a special time of fellowship and snacks. The Ladies Auxiliary assists with the following church events: Senior Baccalaureate mass and luncheon, bereavement dinners, First Communion, homeless ministry and other occasions.