Marjorie "Maggie" Garten

Marjorie Joan (Maggie) Garten (nee Wagner) passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 1, 2025, in Reston, VA. Born on November 17, 1945, in Nashua, NH, she was the daughter of Rudolph Frank Wagner and Marion Josephine Wagner (nee Lemieux).

Maggie is survived by her husband of 44 years, Lt. Col. David N. Garten, USAF, Retired, and their three children: Stacy Garten, Derek Garten (spouse Amy), and Michael Garten (spouse Will). She is also survived by her siblings: Richard Wagner and Mary Teeter, and her brother-in-law Richard Pellerin. Maggie was preceded in death by her sister, Anne Pellerin.

Maggie graduated from Mount Saint Mary High School in Nashua, NH, in 1962, and earned her nursing credential from Lowell State College School of Nursing in 1965. She also earned her master’s degree from Webster University in 1984.

Maggie began her career at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston before her commission in the U.S. Air Force in 1967. She served as a flight nurse during the Vietnam War with a tour in Alaska. Trained as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, she served in that role in California in the mid-1970s and again in South Carolina in the early-1980s. She returned to flight nursing in the Philippines in 1977 and was the Chief Nurse of the Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron in Germany, 1987-1990. She was promoted to Colonel in 1990 and appointed Chief Nurse of the 374th Medical Group, Yokota Air Base, Japan. She was instrumental in the creation of the first Air Force Objective Medical Group there and commanded the 374 Medical Operations Squadron on its inception.

After retiring, Maggie built Total Image, an image-consulting business with the motto, “Helping women get dressed in the morning!” She not only built a successful business but cultivated many cherished friends that became an integral part of her life. Maggie was also a proud fundraising supporter of the Military Women’s Memorial, honoring women who served in the United States Armed Forces. Maggie’s warmth and kindness were evident in the strong relationships she formed while helping guide others in the Air Force Transition Assistance program from the military to the civilian work life.

A gifted artist, she was recognized with awards from, showcased in exhibitions at, and served on the board of the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA. Maggie’s infectious laugh and warm smile made everyone feel welcome, and she built a large circle of friends there with her natural ability to spread kindness. Always eager to help and inspire others, she was a resilient, kind-hearted, force of nature who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (https://alzfdn.org/) or a charity of your choice.

A viewing for family and friends will be held March 10th from 6 – 8PM at the Vale United Methodist Church, 11528 Vale Rd, Oakton, VA 22124. A memorial service will be held on March
11, 2025, 1PM at the same. Her internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date this summer.