Wanda Hylton Almgren

As the middle child of 7 growing up at the crossroads of Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, Wanda quickly developed a sense of wonder, imagination and adventure. There were relationships developed over those early years that lasted a lifetime! That trend continued as the family moved to Bakersfield when she was in high school. The first friend she made at church, who also went to the same school, ended up as her sister-in-law!

At the age of 17, she bundled all her belongings onto a bus and headed for Pasadena College. She lived in the dorm - her first job was in the cafeteria...adding more friends for life along the way. As World War II broke out, she took a job at Lockheed Aircraft as a "Rosie the Riveter," did well enough to get a few promotions and ended up as a supervisor. The bright side of these swing shift hours was getting to carpool to work with fellow students and professors.

During this time she was thrilled with becoming an aunt, to what would eventually become 27 nieces and nephews...along with so many great nieces and nephews to follow!

After graduating from college, she returned to Bakersfield and landed a teaching job - following in her mother's footsteps. Just last year, one of her former students, Pat, called her just to let her know the 3 years Wanda was her teacher were pivotal in her life and to thank her for all she did.

She got acquainted with her beloved George when her best friend asked her to be her maid of honor as she was going to get married that night. He was the best man, brother of the groom, and driver of the car that took them all to Las Vegas to get Alvin and Erva Almgren married.

Just about 5 years later she convinced George that it was time for them to do the same. Together they were a tremendous team - very invested in their church on a local and even to a global level. She held district offices and was a camp counselor for years. Together they were youth leaders and mentors, always willingly following the nudge of their Lord.

After their daughter, Myrna, was born, Wanda gave up teaching - but not volunteering! After many fun adventures, including trips to take missionaries to Disneyland and Sequoia, she decided Myrna was old enough to "keep house" and she started traveling more. First with her parents in their motorhome across the country, and then to mission fields to see folks they had met when they were touring the US.

Becoming "Mimi" to Monica was something she was more than ready for. Along the way, she was gifted a plaque that says, "Only the BEST moms are promoted to Mimi!" She definitely qualified!!

After almost 70 years of living in Bakersfield, and 10 years after George went to be with Jesus, the "call" to San Diego finally won her heart and she joined Monica and Myrna there. Many adventures followed with lots of new friends, helping with catering, volunteering for Senior adult AND children's ministries, riding electric wheelchairs at SeaWorld, trips to Bakersfield and beyond. When Matthew joined the family, she was thrilled to finally have a grandson. With a twinkle in her eye, she hoped to one day be great grandma Mimi! At her 104th birthday party Wanda was asked, "What is the best gift you've ever received?" Without hesitation, she answered, "Georgia!"

Wanda had many names and roles in her remarkable life, yet always remained the same loving woman. She loved Jesus, people, puzzles and laughter. Above all she spent her life blessing others and modeling what it means to live completely devoted to Christ.

She is deeply missed and forever loved. Thank you, Mimi, for showing us how to live a life of faith, love and devotion.

A celebration of life will be held October 18, 2026 at Mission Church of the Nazarene 4750 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA at 2 pm.

A memorial gathering will be held the afternoon of November 8th in Bakersfield, CA. Contact Myrna for details.

While Wanda loved flowers, she was passionate about helping others. She established a scholarship when George passed at her Alma Mater, Point Loma Nazarene University. If you feel led to further her legacy, in lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Almgren Heritage Scholarship at PLNU University Advancement, 3900 Lomaland Dr. San Diego, CA 92106. Give online via https://www.pointloma.edu/give/how-give

She also actively supported compassionate/outreach ministries at our church. For a more global reach, donations could be made to Mission Church of the Nazarene, 4750 Mission Gorge Place, San Diego, CA 92120, designated for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.Give online via https://missionnaz.org/give

Donation links (in lieu of flowers)

Point Loma Nazarene University, Almgren Heritage Scholarship: https://www.pointloma.edu/give/how-give

Mission Church of the Nazarene, Nazarene Compassionate Ministries:

https://missionnaz.org/give