Belchertown, Anyone who encountered Carol Mae Wagner more than likely heard a joke to two.  Here’s one to start… A window cleaner was washing a window on the 18^th floor of the library.  She fell, but didn’t get hurt, and didn’t die.  How’d she do it?  See answer below…

On June 12, 2018 the Pioneer and Quabbin Valleys lost an amazing scholar.  Carol Mae Wagner peacefully passed away after a long battle with cancer.  Carol was not your stereotypical scholar, but a scholar of life – if only more people in this world today lived each day like Carol, it would be a far better place.  She defied her death sentence on multiple occurrences, simply to keep on living. 

Carol didn’t care about age, gender, race, social status, or any other dividing category/title.  To her we were all human, we were all equal.  Her outlook on life was one to admire.  She had a passion for teaching the basic fundamentals of life.  Carol grew up on a dairy farm, shoveling poop, milking cows, caring for people, plants, and animals from birth to death.  The cycle of life was the key to a peaceful perception on the day to day encounters; the good, the bad and the ugly ones.

Her determination to keep on learning in life, lead her to achieving her Master’s Degree.  She continued on by creating an environment she could encourage others who had an open mind – she taught in Belchertown elementary system for 37 years, teaching 3^rd and 4^th grades.  In 2008, she won the Pioneer Excellence in Teaching Award.  To bridge the gap between the classroom and the outdoors, Carol initiated the Swift River Garden created by the students.  Carol promoted continued learning by volunteering and supporting the Clapp Library and the Belchertown Senior Center.  She was a true giver… never needing a thing.  As she retired from teaching, she dedicated her life to breeding boxers.  As she rode the roller coaster of her illness, the puppies would be the only thing the calm her coughing.  She’d share her love with each one, and in turn the puppies healed her. 

Once she was diagnosed with brain cancer, she decided to start writing down memories and life lessons she never wanted to forget.  One of her last entries was “I want to live, until I die…”.  Carol’s fierce independence, incredible work ethic, and nurturing demeanor allowed her to connect with many people.  She didn’t just touch your heart, she touched your soul.  In honor of Carol, the family invites those who would like to share a little love to the family farm located at 305 North East St. Amherst, MA 01002 on July 14^th, 5:00 PM for a potluck bbq.  Carol’s family reached across many towns, many creeds, many walks of life – please join to continue to spread Carol’s message and a few jokes. 

The answer you ask?  The window washer was washing the windows on the inside.  Remember, perspective is always relevant.