Cornelia Hendrika Elizabeth Wagner (nee Gelauf)

October 29, 1934 - January 16, 2025

Cornelia Wagner (Corrie) passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, January 16th, 2025, at the age of 90, in Brighton, Ontario. She will be forever missed by her husband, Jan Rudolf Wagner (Rudy). They shared 71 years of marriage together. Cherished by her children Annelize (Clay), Antonia (Henry), and Monica (Michael). Corrie will be missed by her grandchildren Christopher (Kristen), Timothy (Amanda), Jacob (Trish), and Meaghan (Michael), as well as her great-grandchildren Nicholas and Madison. Corrie is predeceased by her sisters Beppie and Hennie and brothers Piet, Gerard, and Herman.

Born in The Hague, The Netherlands, she was the daughter of Cornelia and Henk Gelauf. In 1957, she immigrated to Toronto, Canada, with her husband and two eldest daughters, where her youngest daughter was later born. Corrie’s love for her family showed brightly through every gathering. Her love of dear friends was built on long friendships, sharing the love of sailing, food, Alabama, their cottages, and their Dutch heritage. There were many, many years of constant partying. Life was good.

In her late 80s, Corrie shared her experiences as a young girl in occupied Holland through a novel prepared by her daughter, Annelize (Liesje Wagner), entitled Corrie and the Rose Accordion: Dutch Girl, Hitler’s War, Symbol of Hope. Her wish was to help younger generations understand the details of this vital part of history. Her life as a very young child struggling to survive the horrors of war and near death formed who she was and, as a result of an experience at the Brighton Legion Branch 100, she was suddenly anxious to delve into memories she refused to share all her life, to bring attention to the brave Canadian soldiers who selflessly put their lives at stake protecting and saving a people they knew nothing about. Because of them, she was alive.

Known as possibly one of the most beautiful women in the world at the height of her youth, she continued to be a striking presence at all ages with her love of clothing, jewelry, and color. She loved rug hooking, her pets, cooking for family, and evenings on the deck with her friends and family.

Corrie’s hugs were enormous, and her energetic laugh spread to anyone around her. Her striking blue eyes sparkled and shone with pleasure as she greeted you at their door.

A private burial will be held at Salem United Church Cemetery. A public Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 25th, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at the Bowmanville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178, 109 King Street East, Bowmanville.

Flowers may be sent to 24 Orchard Park, Bowmanville. Instead of flowers, donations in Corrie’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. For more information, please call 902-523-2512 or email ollivertwist2014@gmail.com.

Funeral Details

Celebration of Life:
Saturday, January 25, 2025
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Bowmanville Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178
109 King Street East, Bowmanville

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at McEACHNIE FUNERAL HOME.