Obituary

Funeral services for Pauline (”Polly”) Lucienne Audette Wagner, of Kingston, will he held Saturday, July 17 at 2 p.m. at Kyker Funeral Home in Kingston. Burial will follow immediately afterward at Roane Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday from noon until time of services at the funeral home.

Mrs. Wagner passed away Saturday, July 10, 2010 following a brief illness. Polly was born January 8, 1925 in Lebanon, NH to the late Oscar Lucian Audette and Adrienne Demers Audette. She married Theodore Franklin Wagner on April 20, 1950. They were happily married for almost 50 years before his passing in 1995.

Polly was the oldest of eight children. She excelled as a student and an athlete. She achieved perfect attendance and her school’s highest grade point average and played field hockey and basketball throughout her school career. Polly graduated from Lebanon High School and went to work in Washington, D.C. as a secretary for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Taking advantage of an opportunity to work overseas for the Department of the Army, she moved to Italy where she met her husband, Ted, who was stationed in Germany after the war. They returned to the states and were married in East Chicago, IN. This became the couple’s first home, where Polly worked for Standard Oil Company. In 1954, Polly and Ted moved to Oak Ridge where she worked for the Atomic Energy Commission and served as a Brownie Girl Scout leader. A year later they moved to Kingston which became their permanent home.

Polly’s service to the community included serving on the Tanasi Girl Scout Board (she was a Girl Scout troop leader for 16 years), presiding over the Kingston Elementary PTA, and chaperoning Roane County High School band trips. She chaired the United Way campaign and was a member of the Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, Kingston Women’s Club, Republican Women, and Beta Sigma Phi. Polly was also active in the Christian Science church where she served as Reader, Sunday School teacher, and librarian. She was a weekly volunteer at the Kingston Library and she was very proud to be an Honorary Rotarian. She was elected a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International and was awarded the “Thanks” badge by Tanasi Girl Scout Council.

She and her husband enjoyed traveling the world, GOP politics, their children and grandchildren, and each other. Polly was a voracious reader and her crossword puzzle skills were unrivaled. She is survived by her daughters Karen (Roger) Hudson of Murfreesboro; Annette (Chad) Burlet of Hinsdale, IL and her son Ted (Diane) Wagner, Jr. of Franklin. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Melissa, Daniel, and Sarah Hudson and Chris, Katrina, Julianna, and Tommy Burlet. Polly is also survived by sisters Evelyn Morse of Lebanon, NH and Annette (Bob) Jordan of Enfield, NH, brothers Ed Audette and Louis (Marjorie) Audette of Lebanon, NH, and Oscar (Lillian) Audette, Jr. of Meriden, NH, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, Polly requested that memorials be made to the Kingston Public Library Book Fund, the Kingston Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellowship Scholarship, the Christian Science Society of Oak Ridge, or the Tanasi Girl Scout Council.

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David Grove 07/12/2010

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Karen, Anette, and Teddy:

I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's death. I hope that all of you are doing well in life. It's been a very long time since I've seen any of you, but I think of the 'Wagner's' frequently. Take care.

Dave Grove (Andy)

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Ken Yager 07/12/2010

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How very sad I am today to hear about Polly's passing. She and Ted were two of the dearest friends I have been privleged to know. Polly was a rare person. Lady, Professional. Community Leader. Devoted Wife and Mother. The list goes on. . . . I have a special book for Polly that I intended to surprise her with when I got out of session. I will give it to you kids Saturday. There are so very few people who have done so much for so many. Thanks, Polly. Ken Yager

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Aileen McDaniel 07/13/2010

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Annette and family,

I was so sorry to hear of Polly's passing. I remember her and the scouts and also you working with me at ORNL. I know how hard it is to give up one of your loved ones. We will keep our memories of each one in our hearts.

God Bless,

Aileen McDaniel

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Sandy Hamlett 07/13/2010

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Polly was indeed a special lady. She and Ted were such a great couple. In my many years working for the County Executive, they were two of my favorite people who came into the office and attended special events. How great to have known both of them.

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Cathy Marquess Illg 07/13/2010

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Annette, Teddy and Karen,

I am so sorry to hear of the death of your mother. I remember a kind, generous lady who would go out of her way to help in any way. She was such a joy. Please know that your family is in my prayers during this difficult time. God Bless.

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Diana Cash 07/13/2010

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Dear Wagner Family,

I am just learning of Polly's passing and I just can't put into words what she meant to me and the Library. She worked as a volunteer until she was no longer able to. She and I have had many long conversations and e-mailed occasionally. Polly never ever said a bad word about anyone and always had a kind word about everyone.

I will sadly miss Polly and can only hope that I could be more like her in my life.

My condolences,

Diana Cash

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Patsy Blanchard 07/14/2010

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It was an honor to know Polly. She was one of my favorite people. She will be sorely missed. I wish all of you my best.

Patsy

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Terry Gamble 07/14/2010

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It was such a pleasure to be acquainted with Polly she was certainly a "Grand Lady" She will be missed.

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Julie Brunini 07/14/2010

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Annette we are so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Wow, she had a very full life! We will keep you and your family in our prayers.

Keith and Julie Brunini

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Jan Grisemer 07/15/2010

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Annette,

Robert and I are saddened to hear of your mother's passing. We did not have the pleasure of meeting her, except as she is reflected by you.

In reading about her life one can see one parallel after another. Clearly she was a wonderful person and was an asset to the organizations she supported.

Our prayers will remember her life and seek repose for your family.

Robert and Jan Grisemer

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Karen Rhyne 07/17/2010

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My deepest sympathy and prayers to the family as I am preparing to say a final 'See ya later' to Polly. I know she will be sadly missed by all who knew this very sweet and kind lady. I was blessed to have known her through her volunteer work at the Kingston Library. I will never look at another 'State Quarter' without thinking of her. My first question to her when I join her at our eternal home with the Lord, will probably be: "Hey Polly, missing any of your State quarters?" God Bless You.

Karen Rhyne

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Myra Chapman 08/06/2010

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Karen, Anette, and Teddy:

I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. Your mother and father were such wonderful neighbors. I will keep the entire family in my thoughts and prayers.

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Jill McMaster 08/09/2010

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To Polly's Family,

I've just learned of your mother's passing. She was one classy lady and she will be missed. For many years, before I became directly involved in Roane Co's Imagination Library, Polly was in charge of writing thank you notes for contributions and keeping track of donors. I see from the files left behind that she was precise in her paperwork and so very kind and personal in her hand-written notes. What a gift she gave to our community.

Most sincerely,

Jill McMaster