Obituary of Ann Christine Wagner

Ann Christine Nicol Wagner passed away June 29 at her home in Soquel. She was 78 years old and touched so many lives with her big heart and personality.

Ann was born January 11, 1945, to parents Jack and Marjorie Nicol in the Jewel Box of Capitola, where she lived along with her brother John Nicol and sister Phyllis Nicol. Ann attended Soquel Elementary School and Santa Cruz High School. She continued her education by earning an Associate's Degree from Cabrillo Junior College and concluded her studies attending San Jose State University.

Ann enjoyed being with people and loved her time working at Andy’s Skee Ball and Fjord’s Restaurant in Capitola. She retired in 2009 following a 33-year career at Long’s Drug Stores, where she relished working beside some of her most cherished friends. Nearly 30 years of that was at the Long’s location in Saratoga, where she became a constant, familiar presence to longtime customers. Many of these became friends as well, as one of her signature traits was her ability and eagerness to spontaneously strike up a friendly conversation with anyone she approached.

Ann had a deep love of horses that she pursued through her involvement with Summit Riders and the Northern California Horsemen’s Association. She spent many early mornings traveling to horse shows with her family, competing at NorCal Western events. This horse community brought her countless friendships and memories.

Ann enjoyed traveling, camping and vacationing with her family, particularly the many cruise ship excursions to Alaska and numerous international destinations. Perhaps her favorite times were enjoying her love of Capitola: walking the Esplanade, sitting at the beach or on the bluff overlooking the Capitola Wharf.

Ann is survived by her husband of nearly 55 years, Al Wagner. The couple were married September 14, 1968, at the Soquel Congregational Church.

In addition, Ann is survived by her four children, Jeff, Heidi, Christopher and Michael Wagner; and seven grandchildren, Alex and Danielle Hosea, Lauren and Dustin Wagner, Holly and Katie Wagner and Amelia Wagner. She also leaves behind her brother John and sister Phyllis.

Friends and family are invited to a graveside service Friday, July 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the Soquel Cemetery.