Deborah Wagner

Date of Death: May 26, 2012

Deborah K. Wagner (Debbie) age 59, passed away on May 26, 2012 at her home in Columbus after a long illness. She was surrounded by her family and friends. She was born on July 28, 1952 in Madison, WI, the daughter of Vern and Dorla (Bennett) Wagner. Debbie attended the James Madison Memorial High School and graduated in 1970. She received her undergraduate degree at University of Eau Claire Wisconsin in 1974 with a Bachelors Degree in Arts, Economics and Political Science. She joined the U.S. Peace Corps from 1974 to 1976 in Niger, West Africa working in Public Health. It was at this time that she met her husband, Alain Fournier. From 1976 to 1979, she attended the University of Knoxville, TN and received a Masters Degree in Agriculture Economics. From 1979 – 1987, Debbie returned to Niger, West Africa to work for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on an integrated development project. Debbie returned to the United States in 1987 and made her home in Warrenton, Virginia. In 1990, she attended Virginia Tech University to pursue her Doctorate in Agriculture Economics. In 1994, Virginia Tech University sent Debbie to work in Albania to revamp Albania's Agricultural Economics curriculum within the Albanian university system. From 1995 – 2005, Debbie worked as the Director for the USAID/ Land O' Lakes Dairy Development Project in Albania. In 1996, Debbie co-founded and was a board member of Organization for the Support of Albania's Abandoned Babies (OSAAB), a U.S. Nonprofit organization with a mission to provide support to abandoned babies in Albania, as well as provide health education training to new and expectant mothers. It is in this endeavor that she adopted her daughter Lea, who was born on July 27, 1996.Throughout her career and life, Debbie was honored with various awards for her commitment and dedication to humanity; most notably, the Albanian Presidential Medal issued in recognition of her work in Albania, as well as the U.S. Presidential Life Time Service Award in recognition of over 4000 hours of volunteer work. Debbie is survived by her husband of 33 years, Alain Fournier, her children; daughter Lea Marie Wagner-Fournier, Fabienne (Jean Marc) Walther of France, Alexandre (Karine) Fournier of Canada; her three siblings; Lynne Wagner-Spielman of Greenbay, Vince Paula) Wagner of Madison, and Tara (Charlie) Wagner-Peck of Beaver Dam. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from around the world. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. A celebration of Debbie's life will be held on Saturday, June 16, 2012 from 12:00noon – 4:00pm at Callahan's Sports Pub, 1902 Bartillon Dr., Madison, WI, 53704 (off of Hwy 51- across from MATC). Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the “Debbie's Halo Memorial Fund” at Organization for the Support of Albania's Abandoned Babies (OSAAB). www.osaab.org, or sent to OSAAB at P.O. Box 1672, Dubois, Wy. 82513. On-line condolences can be made.
Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home
Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400
www.newcomerfh.com

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My mother, who lives in Waunakee, sent me the sad news of Debbie's passing today. I cannot believe what an accomplished, altruistic life she led! It sounds like she packed more usefullness, adventure, and love into her life than most, and I'm so sorry she is now gone. The world is in great need of people like her! I have a vague memory of getting "married" to Debbie when we were young, and of solemnly and purposely walking down the aisle (sidewalk) together on Hilton Drive. I can't remember if we exchanged any vows, or kissed, but she was my first love and only marriage! My sincerest condolences to all in the family, it is so sad to lose an extraordinary person like that, so young. Best wishes for healing and acceptance- tim hansen, formerly of 484 hilton drive in madison

I designed the Albania Dairy Development Project which Debbie led. It was a good concept to start with grassroots training for Albania women. Basically, when the collectives broke up where dairy stalls were operated, families took one or more cows and built sheds behind their houses. None of these women had every milked a cow. At the time, Albania was in full crisis and provided with donated food from abroad. Dairy products represented some 40% of protein for families. Debbie took over this project and made it a fantastic success - one of the most successful USAID projects anywhere. She gets credit for basically creating the modern dairy system in Albania. She had wonderful relationships with her staff, USAID and most importantly with her clients, conservative Albania women who found dignity and an important way to support their families through becoming successful dairywomen.

Vince, Lynne and Tara, I am very sorry for your loss. Reading Debbie's obituary, it is evident what an impact she had throughout her life. She was a remarkable person. God Bless, Katie Neufeld

Debbie, you have lived all over the world, yet you and I have always been a heart beat away. We have always been together during good and bad, and that is where the word "love" comes from. I can't even say in words what you and I have shared together, as only "we" can get that!!! Not many people can have a sister all over the world and have the relationship we did!!! Always did, and always will love you. Our hearts are still beating together. love ya sis, Tata

I remember the get togethers at deborahs parents house when we where all kids My thoughts and prayers are with your family

It is hard to put your thoughts and feelings in a Memory Book dedicated to a person whom you respected and loved, but there is a time that you have to do it! Let all of us pray for her: Let her soul be in peace in heaven!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.