Wanda Jay

Wanda had a full life always centered by her love for the Lord. Growing up in Chicago she was raised by consecrated parents, Matthew and Marie Wesolowski, with her 3 sibling brothers, Joseph, Walter and Leonard. Polish was spoken to the children, however, her mother took English lessons. Times were different – for fun there was “kick the can” played in alleys by neighborhood children. Everyone walked to the parks and stores. When Wanda was a young girl, she became very ill, almost dying from Pleurisy. So the family moved to a farm in Michigan – fresh air, fresh milk and eggs. She became stronger and after a year they returned to Chicago. This experience began to draw Wanda closer to the Lord. It could not have been easy to sit still. She remembers seeing a beautiful field filled with yellow flowers – thus started her love for daffodils. There was always music in Wanda's life. Members of her family played piano and violin and always loved to sing hymns. She attended the Polish Bible Students in Chicago, but also attended the English Bible Students meetings.

Poems, reflections and creative writing was a joy to Wanda. Always one to “live in the moment” she focused on who she was with and truly listened to their thoughts and struggles. Sometimes offering suggestions, but mostly she lent a sympathetic ear and a “tight hug” to make you feel better.

Curiosity, and a spirit of adventure led Wanda across the country to California in her twenties, to Florida for her Honeymoon in 1950, multiple visits to Michigan, Niagra Falls in 1963, Fort Collins Colorado conventions, International Bible Convention in Europe, and Israel/Egypt. Two of her brothers moved out of state to Indiana and Florida. Later, two of her daughters also moved out of state to Pennsylvania and Oregon. Seems that the spirit of adventure was catchy. After learning to drive in 1960, arriving at our destinations often involved “going nabeachco.” A made up word meaning, we are lost, but don't worry, we'll have fun finding our way.

Hospitality began in her childhood and continued as Wanda married Robert Jay beginning a new chapter in her life. She had three beautiful daughters, Suzanne, Robyn and Janeen. Becoming a Brownie leader for her children, visiting neighbors and later writing a newspaper column filled her time. One of her Christmas stories was published in the local paper.

Moving back to Chicago brought more visits to close family and the Chicago Bible Students. There were always opportunities to serve food at Bible conventions, write and teach children's Bible classes and help at the press. With three daughters loving to bake, her home was often filled with cookies and cakes. Her time was filled with working, shopping, visiting friends. The door was always open to drop by for a spell. Hot coffee or tea and of course, something sweet to eat made her home a favorite stop. She excelled in entertaining for the Holidays, always inviting a few extra guests. The fellowship was sweet, filled with laughter, singing and good fun. Wanda was immersed in 1962, but mentioned she was consecrated in her heart much earlier. She encouraged and nurtured her daughters to grow into lovely women who also loved the Lord.

Wanda worked for many years at Elk Grove Village as an administrative assistant organizing the engineering department and “training” her bosses. After retiring, her love of the Lord only grew stronger. Never one to sit around and wait, she worked as a hostess at an Italian Restaurant and later at McDonalds where they published some of her poems on their placemats.

For many years she volunteered teaching English to adults. A sweet tribute to her mother and father who immigrated to America and needed to learn a new language. One of her favorite haunts was the library where she learned new computer skills. Wanda never bought a computer since she would rather be with people at the library. Instead of buying a washing machine, she visited the laundromat making friends with the owners.

On October 1, 2008 Wanda relocated two thousand miles away from her beloved Chicago to the Bible Students Retirement Center in Fairview, Oregon. The trees were larger, the birds different, but the brethren were the same warm loving people as from Chicago. But not all the friends were new, Ollie her lifelong friend, along with her daughter,Chris were already at the center. Making new friends, leaning new ways, and traveling around the state was fun. Oh, and Wanda could walk to the meetings! Anyone up for exercise class? Save room for a cookie afterwards. Singing hymns on weekends, visiting friends, attending Bible studies and keeping in touch through phone calls was important. “Mingle more with each other” were Wanda's last words of advice, and she gives each of you a tight hug and a chocolate kiss.

She is survived by her daughters: Suzanne Doctor (Richard) of Chicago, Janeen Marzewski (Don) of Philadelphia and Robyn Hack (Bruine) of Portland; grandsons: Philip Doctor (Amber), Ben Hack, Sam Hack, Skyler Marzewski (Emily); granddaughters Alaethia Doctor, Bethany Marzewski and Kim Hack; brothers Walter Wesol of Hebron, Indiana and Leonard Wesol of Casselberry, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.

Wanda leaves behind a wonderful legacy and will be greatly missed by so many that she touched.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 25th at 3pm at the Bible Students Retirement Center at 1801 NE 201st St, Fairview, OR 97024.