Lea Wagner Obituary

Wagner, Lea Age 78, passed away on her birthday, December 14th after a brief battle with brain cancer. Lea served as Commissioner of the Great Lakes Region for over 30 years, retiring in 2008. She remained in an advisory position on the Board of Directors and kept her hand in officiating at the high school and collegiate levels and of course with USAV. Lea was arguably the most influential woman in the country for volleyball. She served on the Board of Directors for USA Volleyball and was selected as the first Vice-President of the Officials Division. Lea had many firsts; First woman to earn a USA National Referee Patch, First Woman as R1 on a Men's Open final at the USAV National Tournament and the First USA Event Arbitrator. Lea was a pioneer, titan and legend in the Sport of Volleyball. The Great Lakes Region is over 15,000 members strong, mainly because of Lea's tireless efforts and lofty status with USA Volleyball. Lea was preceded in death by her husband, Sheldon, who was the love of her life. She is survived by four loving daughters, Terri (Chris), Sharon (Tom), Kathy (Bob) and Trina (Mike); two step-daughters, Rhonda (Bob), Holli; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. She is also survived by countless loving friends within her extended volleyball family. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 11th at 11:30 a.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 630 S. Quentin Road, Palatine, IL 60067. (847)991-2080, [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Rainbow Hospice, 1550 Bishop Court, Mount Prospect, IL 60056. (847)-685-9900, www.RainbowHospice.org 847-359-8020 or www.smithcorcoran.com