The Editors of Dell Magazine Wrote:

We were extremely saddened to learn of the recent passing of Julia Wagner, former Editor-in-Chief of this magazine. Mrs. Wagner first appeared on the masthead of Dell horoscope in March 1959 as Managing Editor. Her husband, Edward A. Wagner, was then Editor-in-Chief, having succeeded Grant Lewi in the mid-1940s. After Mr. Wagner's passing, Julia took on the role of Editor-in-Chief and last appeared on these pages nearly 30 years later in 1987. It was during her tenure as Editor-in-Chief that we three editors came on board and had the privilege of working with her.

A true Aquarian, Julia respected this great field and contributed much to the world of astrology, devoting her life to this magazine. She loved baseball, fine dining, good writing, hard work, the New York Times, Broadway shows, her staff, and the many social occasions with which she showered our lives. Julia had a hearty appetite for life, and she shared it with the three of us, and wešre grateful for our time together. We hope that her 18 years of retirement were filled with all the things she loved to do. And we hope that she knows that she will be missed.

Ronnie Grishman, Ed Kajkowski, and Jack Pettey

"I have the greatest fondness for Julia Wagner, for, even though we never actually met, I credit her with recogizing my abilities and giving me the chance to write for Dell. Dell was my mother's favorite astrology magazine, and so when I started writing articles, I submitted them all to Dell first, only to have each one come back with a standard rejection slip. Finally, in about 1973, she took pity on me and sent me a note to the effect that my articles were too short, that Dell only considered articles that were at least 3000 words in length. Immediately, I wrote a longer article, submitted it, had it accepted, and published.

When I proudly sent it to my mom, she wrote back, "Congratulations, you finally made the big time!" Thirty years later, I am still one of Dell's regular writers, thanks to Julia's kindness.

Donna Cunningham

BIRTH AND DEATH INFORMATION: According to her AstroDataBank Record, Julia Wagner was born on February 15, 1924, in Alexandria, VA, 38N48; 77W03. The data is rated C, rectified from approximate time. Lois Rodden had 00:10 EST from her by letter in 1978. Steinbrecher had a letter from her 1/25/1989 that gives 00:40 AM, so there were probably several rectifications. Her bio adds that she served her apprenticeship as a U.S. Government publishing editor from 1951-1955. Her accomplishments throughout her lifetime earned her a listing as one of the Foremost Women of Communication.

Back to Memorials L-Z
Memorials A-K
More New York Astrologers
More Editors and Publishers

CREDITS: The photo was provided by Jack Pettey. Biographical information for this memorial came from AstroDatabank. Design by Donna Cunningham of Word of Mouth Web Design.