Wanda Noya

Wanda Noya was born in Merced, California on May 29, 1933 and passed on at home surrounded by family on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the age of 81 years. She was the daughter of Roy Donald Forsyth and Esther H. Montgomery. She was raised by her mom and stepfather, Thomas S. Blackman (Pop).

Wanda graduated from Merced High School in 1951, where she met the love of her life, Marvin F. Noya. They wed on February 1, 1952 in Warrensburg, Missouri.

While her husband served in the U.S. Air Force in Washington D.C., she had their first two children. In 1955 they returned to Merced and later had their two other children.

Wanda was an avid reader, baker, artist, gardener, and 49er fan. She loved spending time with Marvin and family traveling, cruising, rving, swimming, and playing cards or board games. She loved being a homemaker, worked as a floor supervisor at Newberrys and attended classes at Merced Junior College. She was an active part of PTA, 2 RV Clubs and the Italian Catholic Federation.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Marvin; four children, Stephen T. Noya, Michele A. Crowe, Jeffrey F. Noya (Phyllis), and Michael M. Noya (Diane); 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

The rosary will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. with the funeral mass following at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 671 East Yosemite Avenue, Merced. Interment will follow at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella, California.

The family has asked in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1101 Sylvan Avenue, Ste. C-105 Modesto, CA 95350, Bristol Hospice, 374 E. Yosemite Avenue, #200, Merced, CA 95340, or to a charity of your choice.

She and the family want to thank Covenant Care, Dr. Adrian, Dr. Sidhu, and all the staff and nurses of Bristol Hospice for care and compassion that was given to her.