Elizabeth J. Wagner

Elizabeth J. Wagner, 72, of Bethlehem, passed away Monday, January 5, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg. Born on April 9, 1953, in Bethlehem, she is the daughter of the late George and Sarah Ann (Turner) Gonda.

Elizabeth dedicated more than 20 years of her professional life to caring for others as a registered nurse with Lehigh Valley Health Network. She served in a variety of roles throughout her career, spending her final five years in the Cancer Center, where her compassion and steadiness left a lasting impact on patients and colleagues alike. She retired in 2018, concluding a career defined by service, empathy, and quiet strength.

Above all else, Elizabeth was devoted to her family. She was a loving and selfless wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love was unconditional. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her six grandchildren and her great-grandson. Known for her generous spirit, Elizabeth always put others first and took genuine pleasure in doing things for those she loved.

She enjoyed cooking and entertaining, making her home a welcoming place for family and friends. In quieter moments, she found comfort in puzzles and sewing, especially creating baby blankets for family members, each stitch a reflection of her care and thoughtfulness. Her favorite places to relax and recharge were Beach Haven on Long Beach Island and Outer Banks, NC, spots that held special meaning for her.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Liberty High School and Northampton Community College's Nursing School, achievements she carried with pride throughout her life.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Keith Wagner; her sons, David and wife, Amanda, Nicholas and wife, Chau, Adam and wife, Erin, and Jacob Wagner; her grandchildren, Izabella, Erik, James, Kaylee, Tyler, and Lucas, great-grandson, Khyri; brother, Andrew Gonda; and extended family and friends who will deeply miss her.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Michael Gonda.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with a ceremony to celebrate Elizabeth's life to immediately follow at Connell Funeral Home, 245 E. Broad St., Bethlehem, PA 18017.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Elizabeth's honor to the Cancer Center at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg, 2545 Schoenersville Rd., Bethlehem, PA 18018

Condolences may be offered at connellfuneral.com