Wanda Mae Holden, 57 years old, died on February 20, 2014, in Yakima at Cottage in the Meadow. After her valiant fight with stage 4 Bone Cancer in 2012, and then suffering from necrotizing fasciitis infection in December 2013. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through. Her signature gift of joy for the simple things in life, her smiles, laughter, joking around and just having a “ciggy” won the hearts of many.
Wanda was born on June 4, 1956, in Zillah, WA, to Clancy and Jerry (Gorrebeeck) Holden. The oldest of seven siblings: sisters Rhonda Oswalt (Rick), Tammy Rico, Debbie Cauley (Shane), Paula Dasso (Lyn), and Marcy Carl (Chuck), brother, Rick Holden (Cheri); and brother in law Zeke Rico.
She was known for her ease of conversation with family and friends, and she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life, she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten.
After graduating from Zillah High School in 1974, Wanda moved to Tacoma and started her career, but she always returned to her “HOME,” Zillah.
Wanda proudly and faithfully cared for family and friends with her delicious cooking/baking from scratch. Though she had no children of her own, she considered her nieces and nephews as her own children. They brought her great joy, when she cared for them and had them with her. Wanda was very grateful for her longtime friend, Dean Welch. She always had a smile when she spoke of Dean and shared stories about the times they enjoyed together.
Her surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include: her father, five sisters and her brother; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother.
Just as Wanda wanted, there will be a memorial lunch at the Squeeze Inn Restaurant, at 611 1st Ave, Zillah, WA, on Saturday, March 1st, 2014, between 12-3 p.m. Please come, to share your memories and stories of Wanda, and to remember her for everything she brought to each of us. Honor Wanda by showing your Leopard pride and wear orange and black!
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of the heart-felt love, prayers, and support they have received from too many to name individually; including the Cottage in the Meadow hospice center & Langevin Mussetter Funeral Home (Michael Weber). Thank you, family and friends, for your prayers, visits, and random acts of kindness. As she requested, Wanda’s earthly remains will be buried with her mother. Her urn will nicely sum up, in one sentence, how fondly she will be remembered: Our Wanda (Winnamuca), who lived, laughed, and loved.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to Zillah Booster Club, PO Box 1044, Zillah WA. 98953
Arrangements under the direction of Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.
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