Agnes C. Silverthorn

With deep love and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Agnes C. (Wagner) Silverthorn, 89, local Restauranteur and Hospitality Icon, was called home on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, while under the gentle care of Masonic Village Hospice at Brethren Village, Brook Side North Pavilion.

Born and raised in Lancaster, Agnes was the cherished daughter of George F. and Marie Anna (Gegg) Wagner. She carried her Catholic faith close to her heart throughout her life, finding strength, comfort, and guidance in prayer.

A proud graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, Class of 1954, Agnes was among the first young women to help shape the school's girls' basketball team-an early sign of her determination, courage, and pioneering spirit.

Agnes began her professional journey with Bell Telephone Company, where her voice became one of the first heard on automated public telephone systems throughout the county. While this was a remarkable achievement, it was only the beginning of a life defined by vision, resilience, and care for others.

Agnes was an entrepreneur and visionary, leaving an indelible mark on Lancaster County's hospitality scene. From opening the area's first drive-thru beverage center in Ephrata to founding the Silver-Skillet in 1966, Agnes created more than businesses, she created places where people felt at home. With her husband, Ivan, she later introduced well-known restaurant franchises to the area, including Famous Recipe Chicken, Dunkin' Donuts, and Pappy's Pizza. Her final chapter in business, Peppers Bar and Grille, remained a reflection of her warmth and dedication until her retirement in 2000.

Yet, beyond all of her accomplishments, Agnes's truest and most enduring legacy was her family. She loved deeply and completely and nothing brought her greater happiness than being surrounded by those she held dear. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her life, and her greatest joy came from nurturing, supporting, and celebrating them. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and unconditional love.

She had a special gift for making ordinary moments feel extraordinary, especially during the holidays. Christmas was her favorite, a time when her home came alive with joy, the aroma of her baking, and the warmth of togetherness. Her cookies and famous apple crumb pie were made with love and shared generously, just like her heart.

Agnes lived bravely, abundantly, and with an inner strength that few could ever possess. Her deep love of the rosary helped her in her most trying and defining times. Later in life she would say, "This is all God's work". Her love and laughter were infectious and could brighten even the darkest days, her compassion boundless, and her generosity knew no limits and touched countless lives. Agnes's presence was a blessing-steady, strong, and full of grace. She had the rare gift of making every person feel valued, every moment meaningful, and every room she entered brighter. She was the foundation of her family, a source of strength, and a guiding light whose love will continue to surround us and in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Though our hearts ache in her absence, we carry forward the greatest gift she gave us: her love. It lives on in the traditions she began, the values she instilled, and the family she held so close. While no room will ever be the same without her light to warm it, we who loved her have been given a beautiful gift: The gift of having known and loved a truly beautiful soul. As the world turns, we move forward with that light, her light in our hearts and in our memories.

She is lovingly survived by her brother, James H Wagner of Lancaster; her children: Julie M. Newman (husband Jeff of Scottsdale, AZ), Monica M. Patterson (husband John of Lancaster, PA), Jan M. Silverthorn (husband John Sandy of Lititz, PA), and Justin J. Silverthorn (wife Maki of Mountville, PA); and her cherished grandchildren, Brittany Bauman (husband Eric, Lancaster Pa.) and Dalton Patterson (wife Miriam, Lancaster Pa.). Agnes was preceded in death by her first husband, Ivan Silverthorn, in 2003; her second husband, John McFalls in 2023; siblings: Hilda Mohler, Robert Wagner, Cass Wagner, Julianne Christ, and George Wagner.

Family and friends will be received from 10AM to 11AM, Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Saint Anthony of Padua Church, 501 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA 17602. A Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating Agnes's life will follow at 11AM. Agnes will be laid to rest at Saint Anthony Catholic Cemetery in private graveside services. In honor of her, guests are invited to wear blue or blue jeans, a reflection of her favorite color and her warm, down-to-earth spirit.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Agnes C. Silverthorn to Masonic Village Hospice Center, 98 Masonic Drive, Suite 101, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.

The Silverthorn family would like to extend their gratitude to the care given by Brethren Village Brook Place North & Memory Care at Terrace Crossing and Hospice of Masonic Village.