From Childhood Paths to a Lifelong Calling: Staff Spotlight on Cindy Wagner

For Cindy Wagner, Cornwall Manor isn’t just where she works—it’s a place that has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. A native of Cornwall who now lives in Lebanon, Cindy fondly recalls walking through Cornwall Manor as a child on her way to the Cornwall playground. Her family connection runs deep as well; Cindy’s mom also worked at Cornwall Manor in the Housekeeping department, making the campus a familiar and meaningful place from an early age.

Cindy’s path includes a commitment to service beyond Cornwall Manor. She is a veteran of the Army Reserves, having enlisted during her senior year of high school. Her training took her to Fort Jackson in South Carolina, where she experienced Hurricane Hugo firsthand and remembers helping with cleanup efforts afterward. Military service is a family tradition—her stepdad was also a veteran.

Cindy began her career at Cornwall Manor in 1988 in Dining Services. Ten years later, she transitioned to the Resident Services department, where she served as secretary until 2021, when she became the Executive Assistant. Over nearly four decades, Cindy has witnessed many changes—from campus development to significant advances in technology—but some things remain constant. What she loves most about Cornwall Manor is the residents. To Cindy, they are more than residents; they are extended family.

Outside of work, Cindy enjoys spending time with her daughter Courtney, her son-in-law Rob, and her three grandchildren, ages 5, 4, and 1½, who live in Philadelphia. Family vacations to North Carolina are a favorite tradition. She also stays active by going to the gym, biking on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, kayaking and hiking. One of her most memorable kayaking experiences happened at Memorial Lake. Spotting what she thought was a cute duck swimming toward her kayak, Cindy was in for a big surprise when a double-crested cormorant decided to hop on and hitch a ride. For about 15 minutes, the unexpected passenger perched on the end of her kayak, calmly cleaning his feathers and enjoying the ride—turning an ordinary outing into a story she’ll never forget.

Cindy loves reading, especially James Patterson novels and mysteries, and enjoys watching the “Chicago” series—Fire, Police and Med—along with The Masked Singer. She also has a passion for vegetable gardening, with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and strawberries doing particularly well, and admits she has better luck with annuals than houseplants. Dining out at Olive Garden is another favorite treat.

Animal lovers will appreciate Cindy’s special connection to her cat, Martini, who was born right here at Cornwall Manor. A litter of kittens was discovered near the guest house, cared for by a housekeeper and later adopted—one of them finding a forever home with Cindy.

Looking ahead, Cindy’s bucket list includes taking a hot air balloon ride, jumping out of an airplane and traveling to Italy or Belize.

Cindy’s long‑standing ties, dedication and genuine care for residents make her an integral part of the Cornwall Manor family—past, present and future.