With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Caryl, on July 3, 2026. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

Caryl was born on June 22, 1936, in Calais, Maine, to Milton and Lola Lyon, and was the youngest of four sisters. On May 30, 1954, at the age of seventeen, she married the love of her life, Gerald Wagg, who predeceased her in June 2001. Caryl dedicated herself to supporting Gerald's Navy career up and down the East Coast while raising their five children, often doing so on her own.

A devoted homemaker throughout the family's many moves, she was also a talented seamstress who meticulously crafted much of her children's clothing, as well as an exceptionally gifted quilter. Following Jerry's retirement, they ran a restaurant together in Lisbon Falls. In 1972, they moved to Cornville to begin new adventures. There, Caryl fully supported Gerald's role in town government, served as the town Health Officer, earned her CNA license, and loved her time working in the maternity ward at Redington Fairview Hospital.

Their final move was to Brownville, where Jerry served as town manager and Caryl took on the role of librarian. Her passion for quilting continued alongside a circle of friends until her hands could no longer work their magic. She was also very active in her local church.

After her five children, her greatest pride and blessings were her twelve grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. She even had the joy of feeding her newest great-grandson just days before her passing.

Mother had a legendary sweet tooth (which she passed down), with a lifelong love for vanilla shakes, ice cream, homemade cookies, any sort of chocolate, and "eau de Pall Mall." She also enjoyed word search books and puzzles.

Caryl was predeceased by her parents, her sisters, her husband, and beloved members of the generations that followed: her daughter Judy, grandson Travis, and great-grandson Bentley. All are deeply and sadly missed.

Though mother was known to be a procrastinator at times, she had a final plan: she reunited with the love of her life exactly eleven days after her birthday and eleven days before his.

She leaves behind her loving family: Frank, Ben and his wife Suzanne, her son-in-law Bob LaPlante, Joan, and Toby. Her passing truly marks the end of an era, and she will be deeply missed.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to her daughter Joan for her dedicated and loving care, and for making the "white house on the hill" a showplace..

We also thank the staff of Hilltop Manor and the hospice workers for keeping this sweet (and sometimes salty) lady comfortable until her final days. Love you, Mom.

A graveside service will be held at the North Auburn Cemetery on Skillings Road at a later date. Cremation and arrangements are under the care of Lary Funeral Home of Dover-Foxcroft.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting your local libraries, nursing programs, and nursing homes.