Eunice Pearl Wagner (Rivera) Light passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Cedar Haven Healthcare Center.
Eunice was born in Lebanon, PA, on Jan. 10, 1948. She is the daughter of Harold T. and Pearl A. (Stamm) Wagner, who passed away in February 1985 and January 1998, respectively. She was the second youngest of eight children. She is survived by her siblings, Faye E. Klopp, Phillip P. Wagner, Rhoda R. Moyer, and Stephen S. Wagner. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Harold T. Wagner Jr., Luke T. Wagner, and Ethel M. Wagner.
Eunice is also preceded in death by her first husband, William Estronza Rivera (1968), and grandson, Kyle Xavier Fischbach (2019). She was known as mom to her nine children, Bill, Bonnie, Tim, Garry, Danny, Julie, Travis, Amy, and Matt. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Eunice had a passion for baking; she always made each of her children their favorite birthday cake and always made sure there was something sweet in the house. She made every Thanksgiving and Christmas so special for so many over the years, and faithfully hosted and coordinated all the details. No one can imagine the amount of time and sacrifice she gave to serve her family, not only on holidays, but each and every day.
To pair with her sweet tooth, Eunice never missed a day without coffee. One of her favorite sayings was, “Give me coffee, and no one gets hurt!” In her later years, she was an avid walker, and she loved to tell jokes. Fellow residents at Poplar Terrace called her “Flash” and “Chuckles.” Many of the staff and helpers at Cedar Haven Healthcare Center knew Eunice and shared how much they loved having her there, listening to her play her piano, how she made them smile, laugh, and that she would certainly be missed.
Music has always been an integral part of Eunice’s life. She used her God-given gift of playing the piano throughout most of her life in churches, with gospel groups, and in writing and publishing her own gospel songs. Many of her songs spoke of heaven and what joy that will be. Some of her original song titles include “It Will All Be Glory,” “Today Thy Soul,” “I’m Going Home,” “Congratulations! (On My New Home).”
Eunice loved Jesus, and faithfully read her bible, played and sang gospel music, and did her best to share her faith and encourage others by faithfully sending cards for birthdays or thinking of you notes. Her amazing gift of music will be significantly missed and forever treasured. She was a strong, determined, resilient woman who was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cedar Haven Dementia Unit, 590 S. 5th Ave., Lebanon, PA 17042.
