Wanda Ellen Spataro, born January 08, 1941 in Osceola, Arkansas. Wanda passed away peacefully on May 12, 2022 at her home in Monterey at the age of 81 surrounded by her loving family. Wanda moved to the Monterey Peninsula in 1958 where she resided in Salinas for a short time and then made her home on the Monterey Peninsula after securing her dream job as a ticket agent for United Airlines at the Monterey Airport. This fueled her passion for travel and a long weekend trip to Paris was not unusual for Wanda in her younger years.
In 1965 she married the love of her life, John D. Spataro and made their home in Monterey. They were married for 31 years before John’s passing. Wanda and her husband traveled all over the United States and abroad. They enjoyed many trips to Europe, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Clear Lake and Mexico. They also enjoyed taking cruises and made many new friends during their travels. Wanda was known to make friends wherever she went. Wanda also organized an annual trip that included many of Monterey’s Italian families to Konocti Harbor Resort in Clear Lake. Wanda was an avid reader and always enjoyed a good book at home and by the pool. She also found great pleasure in cooking and entertaining her family and friends. There were many dinner parties and card games around the table. After her career at United Airlines, she continued to work in the travel industry as a travel agent. She also enjoyed helping organize an annual group trip to London for a theater tour each January through the travel agency. Wanda also volunteered her time around the peninsula. She was a longtime volunteer for the AT&T Golf tournament each year, as well as the Panetta Institute lectures series, and the RCIA – at St. Angeles Church. She also helped with the monthly meals that were held at St. Angeles Church Hall to feed those in need and provide them with a hot meal.
Wanda leaves behind two children, daughter Michelle Russell (Bobby) and son John Spataro, as well as three grandchildren: Michael Spataro, Brooke Russell, and Olivia Russell. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy. She also leaves behind her two sister-in- laws, Fran Hampton (Geoff), Leanora Olmstead (John), nephew Steven Jones, and niece Melissa Khunell. Wanda was preceded in death by her husband John “Spud” Spataro, her mother Helen Barron, Aunt Rose Milloway, and grandparents Mike and Grace Reid. Wanda had so many caregivers over the years. The family would like to thank Visionary Health Care Service, VNA and Hospice for all their help and support. A special thanks to Rosa Gonzalez for being with the family until Wanda passed. The family would like to thank all our friends and family that have sent, cards, flowers, and food over it has been much appreciated. Wanda will be laid to rest with her beloved husband in a private Christian Burial at San Carlos Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thepaulmortuary.com for the Spataro family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18