Wanda graduated form high school in 1959 in Knob Noster, Missouri.
Wanda attended Plaza Beauty School in Sedalia, Missouri and was granted a cosmetology diploma in all Branches of Cosmetology on February 17, 1962. Wanda continued to work in the cosmetology field for approximately 40 years. During these 40+ years, Wanda operated several salons and operated a beauty school in Shenandoah, Iowa. After moving to Omaha, she continued to work at JCPenney's Salon.
Wanda also competed in National Cosmetology competitions all over the United States. Wanda was a member of Hair America and served on their board of directors. She was very proud of her accomplishments in the Field of Cosmetology.
After her retirement from her chosen career, Wanda was employed as a foster grandparent serving Birchcrest Elementary in Bellevue, Nebraska. She retired from the Foster Grandparent program in 2020. Grandma Wanda was loved and appreciated by all the students and staff at Birchcrest.
Part of Wanda's retirement years were filled with her caring for and dearly loving her constant companion, Kady.
Wanda is survived by 2 sons, Carey (Nancy) Brake and Craig Brake; 2 step-children, Emily (Jason) Sopko and Warren (Felicia) Henseler; 10 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. Wanda is also survived by a brother, David (Faye) Hankins; a sister, Patsy (Ron) Chambers; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
A memorial service for Wanda will be held Thursday, December 14, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106.
Wanda will be laid to rest in Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park, 5701 Center St, Omaha, NE 68106.
