Lisa Marguerite Brown Wagner, 63, of Vandalia, IL passed away of complications from bile-duct cancer on Tuesday, November 19, at her home with her family by her side. Beloved mother, grandmother, and daughter, Lisa was the light of every room she was in.
Born March 22, 1961, at Vandalia Hospital, Lisa was the daughter of Cathy (Middleton) Bernhardt and Brownie Lee Brown. Sister of Jason, Lisa was a State Scholar and had many lifelong friends, some of whom were all the way from kindergarten.
Lisa attended Illinois State University, where she was a member of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. She traveled extensively in her time, once living in Arizona, Alaska, Oregon, and Missouri, but her home was always Vandalia. She had family in England and Ireland that she visited often, and she also visited France, Canada, Mexico, and much of the Caribbean.
Lisa served her community as a police dispatcher for 32 years. Many police officers grew to love and fear this woman who stood at 5’4”. She was always vivacious, focused, decisive, and fearless. Lisa loved her family dearly and was blessed with two children and six grandchildren.
Lisa is survived by her mother, Cathy Bernhardt, her brother, Jason Brown, her son, Kieran (Caitlin) Brown, her daughter, Jordan Wagner, bonus daughter, Rachel Carpenter, her nephew, Austin Brown, and her grandchildren, Tobias Carpenter (13), Anya Brown (4), Vivian Brown (2), Mario Ledbetter (16), Dahlia Wagner (4), and Solana Wagner (2). Lisa also leaves behind her grieving aunt Anne, her uncles Bill and Reginald, and many cousins in England, Ireland, as well as in the US. She was preceded in death by her father, Brownie Lee Brown, and her Stepfather Dean Bernhardt.
In lieu of a funeral, we will be planning a celebration of life this coming spring. Miller Funeral Home, Vandalia, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Online memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.millerfh.net.
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