Obituary: Chandler, Wanda W.
Age 81
(Age 81)
Born Wanda Mae West in Twisp, WA on March 2, 1930 to Frank and Florence West, she died peacefully on January 20, 2012 in Spokane, WA.
She grew up on a farm near Twisp with her three sisters and one brother.
In 1945 the family moved to Pateros, WA where she graduated as valedictorian of Pateros High School Class of 1948.
She then moved to Spokane to attend Kinman Business College.
After graduating from Kinman, she found a job at Lincoln First Federal Savings and Loan and began a long career in the mortgage industry.
Wanda met Wayne Chandler in 1955 while on a trip to Seattle with friends and they were married on August 3, 1957.
Son David was born in 1958 and another son, Michael, was born in 1959.
She was a stay-at-home mom for a few years before going back into the workforce.
But, she always found time to be a great mom, whether it was rooting for us in sports, taking care of her four boys (Wayne and the dog, too), or putting up with our stupid teenage boy stuff.
We couldn’t have asked for a better mom.
Wanda was a member of the Washington State Quilters, the Wandermere Women’s Golf group, and also volunteered at Ronald McDonald House.
After retirement, Wanda and Wayne had many good times traveling, golfing, and relaxing at their cabin on Sacheen Lake.
When she was presented with granddaughters she was so happy because she had always wanted girls.
Loving and spoiling were her priorities for her girls.
And when great-grandchildren came along, she was filled with pride and had even more loving and spoiling to do.
Mom’s heart was broken on February 10, 2010 when Wayne, her husband of 52 years, passed away.
She has been terribly lonely for the last two years and we know she is now happy in Wayne’s arms again.
Wanda is survived by her sons, David of Las Vegas, NV, and Michael (Cheryl) of Spokane; two granddaughters, Maegan and Kayla; and five great-grandchildren: Tre, Haylee, Cecilia, Dylan, and Christopher.
The family wishes to thank everyone who took care of Mom, but special thanks go to her doctors and nurses at Rockwood Valley Cancer, the staff at One North and Family Units at Valley Hospital, her caregivers at Selkirk House, and Hospice of Spokane.
Please join us for a Celebration of Wanda’s Life, Saturday, February 4, 2012 at 1:00 pm at the Sunset Chapel, Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley Ave., Spokane WA.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Wanda’s name to: Ronald McDonald House, 1015 W. 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204 or the American Cancer Society.