Wanda Lynn Walkden

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wanda Lynn Walkden. After a courageous battle with Cancer, she passed away peacefully at home January 19, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. She will be dearly missed by her loving partner Michael and their Black Lab, Ruby. Wanda is predeceased by her parents Heather McAlpine and Alan Walkden.

Wanda graduated from Western University and began her Human Resources career with Blockbuster Video in 1995 and became the Chief Human Resources & Communications officer for Staples Canada in 2018. She was an exceptional leader and mentor and earned numerous awards and recognitions during her distinguished career. Wanda was incredibly grateful for the ongoing love and support from her Staples family during her medical leave.

Wanda was also a steadfast supporter of the MAP charity through Staples and championed the annual Even the Odds campaigns and launched the inaugural golf tournament which raised over $1 million last year alone.

Wanda also was widely respected throughout the HR community and served on the boards of the Network of Executive Woman and was an executive mentor with Lean in Canada. She also was a board member for Celiac Canada Inc and Safe Quiet Lakes, two organizations that she was passionate about and donated her time and expertise to the causes.

Wanda had a wonderful sense of adventure and enjoyed spending time with family and friends at their cottage on Bala Park Island. She and Mike travelled the world visiting over 30 countries and played golf in numerous locations including Ireland, Arizona, Nevada, Pinehurst NC, Florida, Palm Springs, Alberta, PEI and Kelowna. She played golf in her lady’s league at Dentonia Golf each week.

She was a member of the East York Curling club and loved the times she spent with her Curling Girls including achieving an “Eight Ender” together.

In lieu of flowers, donations to her favourite causes would d be appreciated:

https://www.staples.ca/a/content/even-the-odds

https://www.celiac.ca/

Celebration of life- Saturday March 1, 2025 - Drop in from 2-5 PM - Arta Gallery || 14 Distillery Lane, Toronto, ON, M5A 3C4 || 416.364.2782 || www.artagallery.ca

A private burial with be held at Boston Mills Cemetery at a later date.