Wanda Bryan Elizondo

Wanda was born February 26, 1943 in the small community of Kearney, Nebraska to simple farm parents Lou and Hilda Hahn (née Carmen). The youngest of three children, Wanda was preceded by brothers Larry and Garlin Hahn.

In 1947 Wanda, Larry, and Garlin moved west with their mother Hilda, eventually settling in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was here that Hilda remarried, and the family welcomed two new brothers: Robin and Robert Robinson.

Growing up in the Las Vegas valley, Wanda’s family moved often. She attended several local elementary and middle schools, eventually receiving her diploma from Las Vegas High School.

Wanda grew up in the glamour and glory of the growing Las Vegas valley. She became a fixture in the young city, performing regularly as one of the original “Las Vegas Showgirls”.

During her showgirl years, Wanda was married to her first husband, Darby Bryan. The young couple had two sons: Shaun and Zarin with whom they shared several beautiful years and many happy memories. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the young family when Darby passed away suddenly, leaving Wanda widowed and caring for her two young sons.

Eventually, Wanda remarried Sergio Elizondo, a local Neon Tube Bender renowned for both his craftsmanship and his mastery of the flamenco guitar. With Sergio, Wanda became a mother to their son Eric. Together the loving, blended family enjoyed an active life, traveling frequently, and always making an appearance at local sporting, recreational, and motocross events.

Retired from her Showgirl career, but always a social butterfly, Wanda spun off her love of people, conversation, and the hunt for a “great bargain” into a successful real estate brokerage: Woodland Properties.

As they aged, Wanda and Sergio sought to escape the heat of the Las Vegas Valley and built their “sanctuary away from home” – a cabin in Duck Creek, Utah. It was here that they entertained countless friends, and family – always poised to offer a woodland adventure to grandsons, nieces, nephews, and distant cousins.

She remained active, even in retirement, and had a variety of interests: snow skiing at Brian Head, gardening, garage sales, and music. For a time, she studied flamenco guitar under her husband Sergio. She acted as the family matriarch and organizer with her “Kate and Alley” catering trays for holiday events and birthday celebrations.

Sadly, Wanda was no stranger to loss in this world. Both of her beloved sons Shaun and Zarin and then her second husband Sergio passed before her. Despite her wishes to not be a caretaker, Wanda became a loving caretaker to the many who passed before her.

In her final years, Wanda was blessed with love and compassion from her family, but particularly from her beloved grandson Douglas. Douglas watched over Wanda and cared for her daily for the final five years of her life, as her health failed. His mindful and loving care enabled her to live out her final days with dignity in the home she cherished, among family and friends.

Wanda is survived by family including her brothers and their spouses: Larry & Christina Hahn, Garlin Hahn, Robin & Deborah Robinson, by her son and his wife: Eric & G Elizondo, by four grandsons: Douglas, Kalin, Michael and Zarin, by four great grandchildren, and a host nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

As a fixture in the Las Vegas Valley, she will be remembered for the love and compassion she showed to everyone, for her zeal and enthusiasm for life, for her quick wit and sunny demeanor. In the city of lights, hers shone brighter than all.

Respecting Wanda’s wishes, there will be no formal services. A celebration of her life will be planned soon. Feel free to reach out to family members for additional details if you are not notified.