Bernice Wagner Sager

Bernice Wagner Sager, 89, passed away Wednesday morning, April 22, 2009 in a Joshua area home care facility after a long illness. She was born in Fort Worth on October 11, 1919 to Alford J. and Maye Elizabeth [Malmstrom] Wagner. About 1923, the Wagner family moved to the community of Forest Hill in southeastern Tarrant county where Bernice became a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Polytechnic High School in Fort Worth in 1937. Bernice Wagner married Alford Irven Sager on September 30, 1940 at the rectory of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Fort Worth. The construction of their Forest Hill home was interrupted during World War II by Irven's U.S. Navy service in the European theater. Bernice was a loving mother, homemaker, and community worker. She collected antiques, was an avid reader and historian. Irven and Bernice Sager were major vendors, co-founders, and operators of the weekend Trade Day in Forest Hill for many years. Bernice served on the application committee in the 1970's when Forest Hill was filing for a Home Rule Charter. In 1976, they purchased a home south of Burleson. Preceding her in death was her loving husband of 48 years, Irven. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Mathis, and beloved son-in-law, Kenneth Mathis of Rendon; grandson, Mark Mathis and wife, Patricia, of Fort Worth; great-granddaughters, Linsey Mathis and Samantha Mathis; great-great-grandchildren, Westin Palmer and Makenley Mathis of Burleson; stepgreat-grandson, Ray Morgan, serving in the Navy; niece, Ruth Greenstein and dear friend, Mary Jane Shaw of Alvarado; many nieces and nephews. Mary Jane [Collier] Shaw and Bernice Sager became lifelong friends starting in the Cradle Roll of the Prebyterian Church and graduating together from high school. They remained lifelong friends until the passing of Mrs. Sager. Services and interment will be privately held at Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Malone, TX. The family of Mrs. Sager wishes to express special thanks to Lisa Evans, Tiffany, and Brianna, who tenderly cared for Bernice in her final days.