Lisa Hodges Cappelli Wagner of Plano, Texas passed away on July 8, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 68. She was born in Houston, Texas on April 26, 1954 to Bernard Cappelli and Delores (Crabb) Cappelli, though she spent the majority of her life in Dallas. One of five siblings, she developed loving bonds with her family that she maintained throughout her lifetime.
Lisa Graduated from Carter High School in Dallas and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Baylor University’s college of dentistry. She then embarked on a 40 year career as a dental hygienist, a profession that she remained passionate about through the decades. She married Steve Wagner on April 23, 1984, who she then promptly rescued from being kidnapped by a monkey on their honeymoon in Cancun. Steve’s primary mission always seemed to be to introduce her to life’s most colorful and beautiful elements, and his love for her never waned in the 38 years that they shared. Together they welcomed a daughter, Rachel Wagner Begovic, and a son, Stephen Peter Wagner II, into this world and raised them with love, dignity and lots of patience. A member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Lisa was a follower of Jesus Christ who lived her life in accordance with her strong faith.
Lisa was always interested in travel. She loved spending time with her husband’s family in Danville, PA as well as the annual family beach reunion in Hilton Head every summer. It truly was her “happy place”. This interest combined with her other passion for literature as well; she once spent two weeks exploring Europe, visiting all of the beautiful places that she had spent so much of her life reading about. Upon returning home, she wisely said, “spend your money on experiences, not possessions.”
Lisa’s primary passion, however, was for her family. She was a dedicated wife and mother. Through good times and difficult times, even up to the very end, her love and dedication never waned. She encouraged her children to achieve and to never give up on their dreams, taught them the difference between right and wrong, and instilled in them a sense of compassion. She maintained a loving relationship with her parents, and cared for them faithfully in their later years. Lisa remained loyal to her husband, Steve, and they cared for each other in both sickness and health. She was also head over heels in love with her Granddaughter, Josephine Montour Begovic, who brought her so much joy.
Lisa is survived by her husband, Steve Wagner of Plano, Texas; son, Stephen Peter Wagner II of Bend, Oregon; Daughter, Rachel Wagner Begovic and husband Sasha of Bedford, Texas; grandchild, Josephine Begovic; brothers, Bernie Cappelli of Orinda, California and Tim Cappelli of Carrollton, Texas; sister, Holly Rutledge of Flint, Texas; brother, Gabriel Cappelli of Kemah, Texas; beloved brothers and sisters-in-law; numerous nieces, nephews and many other loving relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Delores Cappelli; nephew, Jocque Cappelli; mother-in-law, Cleo Wagner Confair, John “Mac” Wagner, and numerous other loved ones.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.