Wanita Ekholm Cawley Keating

Wanita was born in Montevideo, MN to Dell and Matilda (Tilly) Stinson Ekholm. She joined her older sister Vonnie, her lifelong best friend. After schooling in Montevideo, Wani headed off to St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.

Upon graduation, Wani applied for a job at Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis for the newly esteemed position of stewardess. Applicants had to be comely, not too short or tall and single. She was a shoo in. When commercial air travel gained increased popularity, Northwest expanded their presence in Seattle. In the late 1940's, Wani was offered a “temporary" position in Seattle, which lasted over 70 years.

In the mid 1950’s, Wani met Seattle businessman, Donald V. Cawley. They married in 1958 and settled on Mercer Island. Their family grew in 1959 with the birth of their daughter, Tracy Ann Cawley, and in 1962 Brent Ekholm Cawley arrived. The Cawley family was now complete and Don and Wani operated their travel agency, Andy's Travel together. Don was also an excellent amateur golfer and the couple joined Broadmoor Golf Club. As Don was winning 3 consecutive Club Championships, Wani was introduced to golf and became very active in the Women's Division, which lasted decades and she was an excellent golfer and Women's captain in 1998. She would let you know about her 2 holes-in-one!

Tragically, Don died suddenly in 1972.

In 1974, after a short courtship, Wanita married Seattle attorney Robert C. Keating. Bob had four children from his prior marriage, (Rick, Mic, James, and Susan) and on Groundhog's Day, February 2, 1974, the Cawley-Keating merger came to pass. It still survives to this day. Wani and Bob bought a home on Mercer Island that became the family's world headquarters. Great family parties and events happened there. They were the happiest couple and both belonged to Broadmoor where Bob also played golf. As Bob was active in local, regional and national bar association activities they traveled virtually all over the world on various boondoggles. They were well received and made a striking presence (mostly Wani). Bob and Wani were also great tailgaters at Husky football games, including home, away and Rose Bowls. Nothing like New Years in Pasadena.

Wani watched as her blended family married in the 1970's, 80's and 90's and became parents themselves. Eventually there were 10 grandchildren. They all loved the trips to Grampa Bob and Gramma Wani's. Swimming pool and great food always awaited. For 27 years Wani and Bob were inseparable. In 2001 Wani lost Bob to the cruel effects of dementia. She had been his constant caregiver for Bob's last few years, with love and affection.

In 2008, Wani moved into the brand new Aljoya senior living complex on Mercer Island, leaving behind the family home of over 35 years. Cawley-Keating had a new headquarters.

There was one more loss for Wani that was hardly bearable. Her treasured Brent freakishly died in a snowmobiling accident in March, 2016 in British Columbia. Brent was a manly man. Tall, handsome, athletic, WSU grad, Boeing engineer, with a sense of humor and always the life of the party. Wani was devastated.

It wasn't long after that she was having a difficult time living by herself and transferred to the Gardens of Newcastle senior home. Tracy was able to visit virtually every day to keep her mother company. She was there nearly 5 years until her passing on May 26th.

Wanita was predeceased by her parents, her two long time husbands, son Brent and her nephew, Lance Olson. She is survived by her sister LaVonne (Vonnie) Norum and Vonnie's kids Laird Olson, Laurie Johnson, Linden Olson and Lizbeth Brown. Wani's surviving children are Tracy Marshall (Kenny), Rick Keating (Cheryl Rumberger), Mic Keating (Deb), James Keating, Susan Keating (Linda Pillo) and daughter-in-Iaw Jill Crueger. Also surviving are Wani's grandchildren Donald Cawley, Tori Cawley, Sarah Benton, Lindsay Shaw, Rob Keating, Andy Keating, Ashley Hollenbeck, Michael Keating, Kelsey Hall and Randall Keating, Kendra Roth, Katrina Shaffers, Jason Marshall and 17 great-grandchildren.

A family service and internment took place at Acacia Funeral Home on June 2, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Wanita's name or any Dementia or Alzheimer's cause or to the Broadmoor Golf club Foundation which benefits First Tee and other golf activities for Seattle area children.