Beloved Mother and Grandmother, went to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, October 14, 2010. Wanda was born in St. Ignatius, Montana on August 21, 1924. She was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation. She attended school in Polson, Montana, and graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1942. She attended nursing school at Montana State, Bozeman, Montana, and furthered her education at St. Patrick's School of Nursing in Missoula, Montana. Wanda spent her career working in numerous nursing facilities, most memorably at the Spokane Valley Clinic of Family Medicine for nearly 20 years, with Dr.'s Rowe, Velonis, Picken and Epton. The staff became a second family to her, creating many beautiful memories and friends.
She was the matriarch of her family, and her life was filled with the love of her children and grandchildren. Wanda enjoyed family gatherings, always encouraging her family to remain close throughout their lives. She enjoyed gardening and working in her flower beds, always having a beautiful yard that would attract the attention of many. Wanda was a devoted member of St. Joseph's parish in Otis Orchards, Washington, and was involved with the Alter Society and many of the enjoyable functions they would provide. One of her favorites was Turkey Bingo, taking as many people with her as she could gather. She enjoyed crafting, always creating new projects and interests, and for a number of years was a member of the Sweet Adelines singing ensemble.
Wanda is preceded in death by her mother, Rosalie Letha (Morigeau) Shea; her father Patrick Henry Shea; her husband of 29 years, Edwin Akers; her grandson, Dailan Clark and her grandson-in-law, Sammy Markham. She is survived by her children, Sharon Jones; Ron (Connie) Clark, Gary (Kathy) Clark, and Kathi Evaneski, all of Spokane, WA; 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved dearly; her best friend of many years, Marvel Marrinan; special furry friend Ozzy, and numerous cousins.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 19, 2010 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Hazen & Yaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N. Pines, Spokane, WA, with rosary service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 4521 N. Arden, Otis Orchards, WA. Internment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 17825 E. Trent, Spokane, WA. A reception will follow at the church, and all who knew her are invited to join and share their memories. You are encouraged to participate in her Everlasting Memorial at www.mem.com, Tribute.
Mom, we love you deeply, and will miss you dearly, but are comforted knowing you are no longer in pain and suffering, and are with those loved ones who are welcoming you home.