It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Wanda Rose McGladdery on March 5th, 2018 at the age of 72. She is survived by her husband Bill, daughters Lisa (Rob) and Sandra (Amir), son Bill Jr. (Christina) and grandchildren Aleksia, Zacharyah, Ava, Malcolm and Annabella. Wanda was predeceased by her mother Muriel, father Melville and step-mother Elsie.
Wanda endured many medical issues during her life, but it is not true that she was always sick. This was because her greatest desire was to become well again quickly, so she could go walking, swimming or exercising in the outdoors. She would never allow anyone to make concessions for her, preferring instead to hike, swim a mile, and play games like volley-ball and badminton, with a left arm that had been severely compromised from a childhood bout of polio.
For each hurdle, Wanda had an overall plan. She would research the problem in-depth and figure out what to do. Then she would get on with her life regardless. She managed to wrestle heart disease, diabetes, and back surgery, but unfortunately, she could not outrun pulmonary fibrosis.
Wanda liked nothing better than to spend time with her children and later grandchildren, who all appreciated her enthusiasm and ability to seize that teachable moment. For many years, Wanda was employed by the Abbotsford School District, working in the Primary Department at Upper Sumas and King Traditional. Wanda has taught and coordinated Sunday School and sung in the choir. She has been a long-time member of St Matthew’s Anglican Church, now meeting at Grace Church, where she served on Parish Council.
Wanda loved to spend time in Northern Ireland or Scotland, with Bill and her family, and developed a particular soft spot for the more remote areas, like the Orkney Islands. Wanda and Bill enjoyed several cruises and visited Hawaii four times. She loved rolling in on the waves and getting covered with sand. For everything from dancing to swimming and hiking to reading, she had a zest for life that was infectious. Since 1969, Bill has been drawn in and in full awe of Wanda’s infectious spirit.
A Memorial Service will be held at Grace Church on Saturday, March 17th at 1:00 pm in Abbotsford (2087 McMillan Rd). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF.ca).
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