Wanda Kay Lambert

Wanda was born on July 15, 1945, in Dallas, Texas, to James and Doris (Willis) Frizzell. Wanda grew up in Tyler, Texas with her older sister, Barbara. She graduated high school in Tyler, Texas in 1963.

Wanda married Robert Schafer on June 3, 1967, in San Diego, CA. They had two children, twins, Heather Anne and Robert James Schafer on June 18, 1971. In July 1981, Wanda married her second husband Paul A. Lambert in Springfield, Illinois. They remained married until his passing in 2010.

She lived the majority of her life in Springfield, Illinois. However, she did spend time living in Texas, California, and Alaska. One of the highlights of Wanda’s life was a trip to Nova Scotia with her sister, Barbara to see the baby harp seals after they had been born. Wanda was a lifelong advocate for the protection of animals and a proud member of PETA. Wanda had many pets over the course of her life and was committed to all of them every single day. She loved them immensely and considered them her children as well.

Wanda worked primarily in administrative support positions in Texas, California, Alaska, and Springfield. She worked as a bank teller and ran an animal shelter for a period of time in Escondido, CA, with her husband Paul.

Wanda enjoyed a variety of hobbies during her life including crocheting, bowling on several leagues in Springfield, fishing, going to flea markets, and also spending time with her family. She loved watching science-fiction and Star Trek was a lifelong favorite. Wanda was a member of Southside Community Church in Springfield. She enjoyed the services and community she felt and became a part of at Southside.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents, James and Doris; brother- in- law, Dick Greiner; and grandson, David “Davy” Harmening.

She is survived by her daughter, Heather (husband, Frank) Mikesell of Fairbanks, AK; son, Rob (wife, Rachel) Schafer of Anchorage, AK; five grandchildren, Kaylyn Harmening, Evan Schafer, Jenna Hicks, Trick Schafer, and Zoey Schafer; four great- grandchildren, Kaden Triviso, Luna, Elodie, and Lachlan Hicks; sister, Barbara Griener; and nephews, Mark and Jason Greiner.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremony.

Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield. Pastor Brandon Moore from Southside Christian Church will officiate.

Memorial contributions in Wanda’s name can be made to the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Road, Springfield, IL 62702.