Janet Marie Wagner

Janet Marie Wagner, 74, of Forked River, New Jersey, passed away on January 2nd, 2023. Janet was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey on October 27th, 1948 to her mother, Alice Uknius. In childhood, she spent her summers traveling to Seaside Heights with her mother and sister, Petronella Zelko. After her high school graduation in 1966, Janet attended beauty school and became a talented beautician.  Throughout her life, she discovered many other hobbies and talents, but her entire life revolved around her family. She married her husband Richard D. Wagner Sr. in 1967 and had her two beautiful children, Richard Jr. in 1967 and Debra in 1969. 

Janet was one-of-a-kind and loved to stand out. She didn’t know a stranger and made friends seamlessly everywhere she went. She loved gardening, going to the beach, winning big in AC or at bingo, shopping, and most importantly, spending time with her family. Janet had a young, fiery soul and loved to make people laugh. She never wanted anyone to take life too seriously. Her grandchildren, great nieces and nephews, and most others fondly called her “Mommom.” This name perfectly illustrates her loving and selfless nature. If you needed help, she was the first one to offer a helping hand or word of advice. This is one of the many things her loved ones will miss about her.  

Janet is reunited in death with her mother and sister. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Richard D. Wagner Sr.; her children, Richard D. Wagner Jr. (Karen) and Debra Churchwell (Kevin); her granddaughters, Kyrsten Churchwell (Kenneth), Kylie Churchwell (Dylan), and Kendyll Wagner; her three nieces, Elizabeth Vazques, Alexandra Silivanch (John Sr.), and Kim Thompson (Eric); many great nieces and nephews, Emily Whitehead, Philip Weeks, John Silivanch Jr., Mayson Silivanch, Luca Thompson, Cora Thompson, and Sienna Thompson; and countless friends.

We encourage all who loved Janet to remember her smile and live life just as she did. 

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