Carolyn Bashaw Wagner

Carolyn Bashaw Wagner, 89, of Chesnee, SC, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in her daughter's home on June 1, 2026.

She was born in Malone, NY, on December 25, 1936, to Fred (Begin) Bashaw and Bertha Jeror Bashaw. She grew up on West Street and was crowned Queen of the West Street Playground during her youth. Carolyn graduated from Franklin Academy.

Carolyn met the love of her life, John "Allen" Wagner, in 1957 in Malone, New York. She was captivated by his blonde hair, blue eyes, and Southern charm. They married on October 11, 1958, in Malone, before a Justice of the Peace, and later renewed their vows in the Catholic Church on September 10, 1966. They were married for 67 years and served as a wonderful example of love and commitment to everyone who knew them.

Throughout their lives, Carolyn and Allen moved several times due to his work in the construction business, residing in Lockport, New York; Sylacauga, Alabama; and Chesnee, South Carolina, before finally returning to Carolyn's hometown of Malone. After spending over twenty years in the cold of Upstate New York—enduring a particularly harsh -30-degree morning in December 1981—Carolyn and Allen decided to relocate to Upstate South Carolina, where they could enjoy milder winters without snow.

In South Carolina, Carolyn and Allen built their dream home in Spartanburg County, where they lived until their respective deaths. Their home served as the gathering place for family events, including holidays, weddings, funerals, and any other occasion that brought them together with friends and family. Carolyn's hospitality made everyone feel welcome in their home. She was always ready with a pot of coffee or a delicious meal.

She was an active member of her church, St. Paul the Apostle's Catholic Church in Spartanburg, for over 40 years.  She was devout in her beliefs and spent a great deal of her time in prayer and spiritual reading. She could often be seen with her rosary in her hand.  It was her strong faith that carried her through her life and through several difficult seasons, including the loss of three of her beloved children and her husband of 67 years.

Carolyn will be remembered as an amazing cook and someone who enjoyed life to the fullest, especially with a big bowl of ice cream. She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother, a wonderful mother, and a loyal wife. Carolyn delighted in dining out with friends and family, as well as going on shopping trips—though she often didn't buy much. We will miss her delicious spaghetti sauce, her galettes, and her cherished memories. However, we will miss her spirit and zest for life the most. She lived life to the fullest until her final days, starting each morning with Little Debbie Nutty Bars for breakfast and enjoying ice cream every night.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, her beloved husband, her daughter Robin Ann, and her two sons, Fred Allen and Wade Alan. She is survived by her daughter, Vicky (Carl) Bashaw of Malone, NY, sons John (Penny) Wagner of Malone, NY,and Scott (Jessica) Wagner of Inman, SC, and daughter Wendy (Will) Cauthen of Cramerton, NC, as well as 15 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, many of whom affectionately called her"Grandma Christmas."

Carolyn's family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the hospice workers from Agape Care South Carolina and Carolina Caring in Gastonia for the exceptional care they provided to our beloved mother and grandmother over the past year.

Her funeral will take place at Notre-Dame Catholic Church in Malone, NY, on August 14, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Following the service, interment will occur at St. John Bosco Cemetery, and a celebration of her life will be held at the home of her daughter, Vicky Bashaw.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agape Care, located at 706 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, or to Carolina Caring at 2240 Remount Road, Gastonia, NC 28054.