Mary Wagner Howell

Mary Margaret Wagner Howell, age 90, passed peacefully at her home in Branchville, SC. She was born in New Jersey to Richard and Claire (Crawford) Wagner of Philadelphia. After graduating from high school, she attended Northeastern Hospital of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA. After her pinning, she worked and completed ther Bachelor's of Science degree from Villanova. She earned a Masters of Science from the top ranked University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. She was also one of the early Nurse Practitioners in the country. Mary had a long, distinguished nursing career in Trauma Care, especially for burn patients. She was instrumental in improving care for trauma patients by training hospital staff in the "Golden Hour" of care, writing in professional journals and lecturing on burn care in the US and abroad. She worked as a Clinical Nursing Specialist at the University of Iowa Hospital, before moving to South Carolina to accept a job as a Clinical Nurse Specialists at the Trauma Center ant the Medical University of South Carolina. Later, her career then focused on teaching at Clemson University and University of South Carolina College of Nursing as a Clinical Assistant Professor). She continued active nursing with a clinic until her retirement at 70 years old. In her spare time, Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed sewing, playing the piano, and traveling. She spent countless hours gardening and working the farm with her husband. She especially loved her extended family, fondly called "Mimi" by many of her nieces and nephews. Mary will especially be remembered for sacrificially caring for several siblings and nieces during major illnesses. Mary is survived by her husband of 47 years, John Shelvy Howell. Her sister-in-law, Ruth Howell. Along with 14 nieces and nephews, 11 grand nieces and nephews, and multiple great grand nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents. Her siblings and their spousees: Richard J. (Joan), Joseph, Elizabeth Casella (Al), and William (Patricia). Neice and Nephews: Theresa Casella Staggs, Peter, Mark and Brian Wagner. There will be a Memorial Service at Ott Funeral Home in Branchville, SC on Saturday, February 21st at 2pm. Family will gather at a later date for a Casting of Ashes.

Mary Wagner Howell

March 28, 1935 - January 31, 2026