Wanda Joyce Coffey

Wanda Joyce Coffey, 86, of Bakersfield, CA, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 18, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Wanda was known for her quite strength, deep compassion, and unwavering dedication to those she loved.

Wanda was born May 14, 1939, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to William and Georgia Douglas. She was the oldest of their four children. At a young age, her family settled in the foothills east of Bakersfield, where she attended local schools and graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1957. After graduation, Wanda studied medicine briefly at Loma Linda University before returning to Bakersfield, where she took a job at the family business that ultimately led to a lifelong career as a bookkeeper.

In 1965, Wanda met Norman Coffey while working at the family auto parts business. They married on September 30, 1967, and remained together until Wanda's death. Their 58-year marriage was a testament to the faith, loyalty, commitment, persistence, and incredible patience Wanda showed throughout her life. Lord knows how much we tested her patience!

During the early years of dating and marriage, Wanda and Norman spent many weekends at drag racing tracks throughout Southern California, racing her 1965 GTO, "the GOAT." Outwardly, Wanda was soft-spoken and reserved, but she was fearless behind the wheel of her GTO. Her focus, attention to detail, and competitiveness, along with Norman's engine-tuning skills, helped her excel on the drag strip, winning numerous trophies in competitions. She and Norman had the time of their lives racing and spending time with family at the track.

In December 1970, Wanda and Norman welcomed the first of their three children, Shelley. In 1972 and 1974 they added James (Jim) and Edward (Ed) to the family. Wanda was an incredibly loving and supportive mother and grandmother, and a constant presence in her children's and grandchildren's lives. Whether it was an awards ceremony, play, concert, or sporting event, she could always be found in the audience proudly cheering, recording, and offering encouragement.

Wanda's motherly nature extended beyond her immediate family. She was a great listener with deep empathy and a quiet strength that made people feel safe and comfortable. These qualities led many friends and extended family members, regardless of age, to consider her a second "mom." If someone had a problem, needed advice, or simply wanted to talk, they knew they could turn to Wanda.

Wanda worked as a bookkeeper for over 50 years, more than 30 of which were spent at Kern Steel Fabrication in Bakersfield, CA. Her many years with the company made her the unofficial historian and the "go-to" person for questions or help, no matter the department. She became affectionately known as "Tawanda" by many fellow employees because when a problem arose, the common answer was often "Go to Wanda," which eventually became "Ask Tawanda!"

In addition to family and work, Wanda loved sports and travel. She was a Dodgers fan and played on a softball team with her sisters into her 40s. She enjoyed going to the races, especially when her children were competing, and even attended the Indianapolis 500 shortly after her 79th birthday. Wanda also loved spending time outdoors at the beach or in the mountains with her family. Among her most memorable trips were cruises to Alaska.

Wanda is survived by her husband Norman; son Jim and wife Carolyn; son Ed, daughter-in-law Tracy Coffey; son-in-law Ray Ramirez; sister Sandra Bryant; grandchildren Kaitlyn Coffey, Nathan Coffey, Adam Coffey, Nixon Coffey, Lauren Coffey, Tim Ramirez, Sarah Ramirez, and Emily Ramirez; and great-grandchildren Tiffany, Timmy, and Isabella, as well as numerous extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Georgia and Bill Douglas; sister Lynnda Douglas; brother Bill Douglas; and daughter Shelley Coffey. Her loss leaves a gaping hole that cannot be filled, but also an enduring impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing her.