Obituary of Wanda Helen Waldner

Wanda Helen Waldner (née Phillips), 71, of Blumenort, MB., passed from this life into eternity on Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Steinbach, MB.

Wanda is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Moses; children Nathan (Kyla) of Sooke, BC., Shandee (Gavin), of Winnipeg, MB., Ladonna (Justin) of Morden, MB., and Wesley (Jennie), of Saskatoon, SK; grandchildren Martin, Ciaran, Riel, Ava, Lyons, Britton, Louise, Julian, Estée, Vienna, and Louie; siblings Floyd (Sandra) of Beaumont, AB., Velma (Dave) of Winnipeg, MB., Rheta (Reid) of Thetis Island, BC., and Murray (Pam) of Fort McMurray, AB; as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She is predeceased by her parents, John and Margaret Phillips, and parents-in-law, Albert and Elizabeth Waldner.

Wanda was born in Minnedosa, MB., on April 16, 1953. She grew up on the family farm near Forrest, MB. She went to high school at Elton Collegiate and graduated in 1970. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Science and complete Teacher College at Brandon University. She moved to Thompson, MB., to begin her teaching career in 1974, where she taught high school math at R.D. Parker Collegiate until her retirement in 2010. It was in Thompson she met Moses and started their family. She took a break from teaching for 10 years when her children were young, though she stayed involved in education as a substitute teacher and tutor. She was very involved in Thompson Pentecostal Assembly as a faithful pianist, youth leader, and Sunday School teacher. Many special memories were made at Northern Pentecostal Camp at Setting Lake, MB., where Wanda served in many capacities from music to teaching preschool classes to kitchen work to providing snacks at the beach. Upon her retirement, Moses and Wanda moved to Blumenort, MB., where she served for a few years as a substitute teacher in the Hanover School Division. They also attended Gospel Chapel in La Broquerie, MB., where she again served as a pianist regularly.

Wanda loved music and math, gardening, and caring for others. She spent several years aiding in the care of her parents when they moved to Rest Haven Care Home in Steinbach, MB. She particularly loved caring for her children and grandchildren, whether it was cooking for them when they visited, attending concerts and sporting events, or just having gummies in the magic cupboard. She was an active Facebook user, regularly liking and commenting on the posts of her friends as a way to keep in touch.

The wake and viewing will take place on Monday, June 3, 2024, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB. To join the family via livestream, please click HERE shortly before the time of the service. 

Memorial donations may be made to: Southern Health-Santé Sud (In memo line: CancerCare Steinbach) Box 470, La Broquerie, MB., R0A 0W0.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre medicine and palliative care units, who provided such tender care for Wanda in her final days. They would also like to extend particular thanks to the staff at CancerCare in Steinbach who made her weekly visits less of a chore and more of an opportunity to socialize. Special mention must be given to Dr. Krahn who was so much more than a care-provider. The family also wishes to thank Bethesda Regional Health Centre for adjusting their visiting policy for us and the City of Steinbach for their lax parking policies.