Wanda Gore Fangmeyer

Wanda Gore Fangmeyer was born in Mouth of Wilson, VA, on March 27, 1940, the ninth child of ten for Maggie Ruth (née Poe) and Wayne Gore. She died May 10, 2025, having recently celebrated her 85th birthday. She is survived by her devoted husband of almost 61 years, Robert (Bob) Fangmeyer; her sisters-in-law, Naomi Gore and Loretta Dustin; her children, Lynn Lang, Bobby Fangmeyer, his wife, Leigh, Bert Fangmeyer, Patrick Fangmeyer, and his wife, Missy; and 10 grandchildren: Matthew Koert and Maggie Lang; Jack, Ryan and Jenna Fangmeyer; Sammie and Lily Fangmeyer; Owen, Bella and Faith Fangmeyer; as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; her 9 brothers and sisters, Mac, Trink, Charles, Bill, John, and Tommy Gore, Edie Cullum, Lena Ruth Brown, and Mary Brown; her mother- and father-in-law, Loretta and Albert Fangmeyer; and her son-in-law, Paul Lang. She was also predeceased by beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Wanda was raised in rural Virginia on a small family tobacco farm, where her little brother and cousins were her playmates. She graduated from Ashe County High School then moved to Fairfax, VA, with family and worked various jobs in DC. She moved into DC, and in 1959, met Bob Fangmeyer there. Wanda then began working at The Washington Evening Star as a receptionist. Because of her beauty, she was strongly encouraged to also model for in-house advertising and editorial images, a duty that she did not relish due to her introverted nature.

Wanda and Bob dated casually for a few years. Bob graduated from Georgetown and earned his CPA; Wanda decided to convert to Catholicism, and they were engaged on Christmas Eve. Married in July 1964, the newlyweds bought a house in Wheaton, MD, and had their only daughter, Lynn, in 1965. Wanda chose to leave The Star to be a stay-at-home mom. Eighteen months later, the first of their three sons, Bobby, was born. Bob joined his brother Lee’s CPA firm, and Wanda became an entrepreneur’s wife. The next year, they moved to their forever home in Derwood. In 1972, their second son, Bert, was born, and in 1978, their youngest son, Patrick, was born. Wanda fiercely loved and protected all children, especially her own. She poured her whole life into her family, immediate and extended, which included lifelong friends and dear neighbors. Wanda was very bright, creative, generous, and thoughtful. She was known for her flower arrangements and designs, her wonderful cooking skills, her elegance, and her amazing hospitality. For many years, she donated her time and talents to both St. Martin’s soup kitchen and the nursery for CCD teachers’ children at St. Mary’s of Rockville. When her grandchildren were born, they were the light of her life, and she spent many, many immensely happy hours with them throughout the years.

At the age of 63, Wanda developed congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and fluid on the heart. She was in the ICU for a month, but after much effort, she came back as strong as ever. Eventually, Wanda and Bob designed and decorated a second home at the family farm in Breese, IL, in which they tremendously enjoyed gorgeous sunsets, sunrises, small-town life, and extended family. Devoted to one another as they were, tax and audit seasons were difficult for them both, yet their love never waned. Bob retired at the age of 72 and became a constant protector of Wanda’s health and well-being until the end of her life. Wanda succumbed to pneumonia and the effects of dementia on May 10, 2025.

A visitation will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 6701 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, MD. The funeral mass will follow at 11:00 AM, and a reception will be held afterwards in the parish hall. The private interment will be held at another time.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorial donations may be made to St. Francis in support of their outreach efforts to the local food pantry or the Haiti medical mission. Checks may be made out to St. Francis of Assisi. The information line should say, “Haiti Medical Mission/WGF” or “Donation to Food Pantry/WGF” and should be sent to St. Francis of Assisi, 6701 Muncaster Mill Road, Derwood, MD 20855.