Island communities rise to assist family after an unexpected loss
Following the tragic death of a Sanibel resident and chef who was active in the community, several donation opportunities have been set up to assist her husband and children in their time of need.
Sarah Wagner passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 4 due to a complication after giving birth to her daughter, Marah Jo. She is survived by her husband, Mark Wagner Jr., and two more children, Adeline “Addie” and Connor. A memorial service and celebration of life took place on Aug. 21 on Sanibel.
Wagner had been the executive chef at The Mad Hatter Restaurant since 2019.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to express their condolences for our beloved Executive Chef Sarah and her family,” the restaurant shared on its website. “If you’d like to make a donation, you (may) make donations to Mark Wagner through FISH of Sanibel or through the Facebook fundraiser.”
It added that 100 percent of the donations contributed through F.I.S.H. will go to the family.
To make a donation, please visit https://www.fishofsancap.org/ and note that it is for the “Wagner Family” or send to FISH OF SANCAP, 2430 Periwinkle Way, Suite B, Sanibel, FL 33957, and note “Wagner Family” in the memo. For more information, call Executive Director Maria Espinoza at 239-472-4775.
Wagner had also been the American Legion Post 123 Auxiliary treasurer and past chaplain.
“Our post has suffered a tremendous loss of a great friend and smiling face to so many of our members,” it posted on its Facebook page. “Sarah Wagner was an amazing addition to our auxiliary and post. She was the kindest and most giving and willing to help with every event we had.”
“She will be missed terribly,” the legion added.
It directed those interested in supporting the family to the Facebook fundraiser that The Mad Hatter mentioned. Titled “Help for Sarah’s Legacy,” the page was set up by Valerie Hancock Tutor and Brandi Skog on behalf of the Wagner family. It is at https://www.facebook.com/ donate/1712973869066040/.
In addition, the nonprofit Put It On Pete’s Tab — which was established to help hospitality workers, with 100 percent of the donations contributed to the recipients — launched a fundraising page.
“We would do anything in the world to say this isn’t so, but as we all know, our beautiful Sarah had tragically paid the ultimate sacrifice for she and Mark’s gorgeous baby girl,” it states on the site. “Mark will need help with many things and this whole family/friends village is here to offer anything we can.”
The nonprofit noted that Wagner had been “an integral part of the island she loved,” adding that she had been “an industry favorite at the top of her game” as the executive chef at The Mad Hatter.
Put It On Pete’s Tab also set up a Meal Train and an Amazon Wish List for the family.
To donate, visit https://www.putitonpetestab.org/.
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI, please email trepecki@breezenewspapers.com