Wanda Orlowski Obituary

Wonderful to celebrate your 80th Birthday at the White Eagle with family and friends! You are in our hearts always

Twenty years have passed but sometimes, it feels like only yesterday you were here - laughing, sharing, shining your light in ways only you could. Wandy Sue, your name still lives gently in the hearts of your loved ones and friends. Thank you for the love you gave so freely and generously to all of us and made life better just by being in it. You continue to be missed beyond words, my beautiful friend, remembered with love, and honored always. Until we meet again, WO.......Ev

Wanda, I cannot believe that 20 years have passed since we lost you. You did so much good, and helped so many people in your too short time on earth. All of us who were fortunate enough to have known you are better people because of it. I will remember and love you always.

BELOVED sister and friend,
I miss you everyday
Ed and I talk about you and to you often. YOU will never be forgotten. LOVE YOUR SISSY
DONNA

DEAR Sister, I think of you every day, sometimes with teary eyes, sometimes with a smile and chuckle. ITS been years since you left us, but sometimes the timeline evaporates and it seems only yesterday we were making movie plans and discussed where the good sales would be for some fun shopping. WE love you always, your memory is forever in our hearts and souls. It would have been so fun to be retired together! Love, your sis, Donna

This is 3rd attempt to leave a message, not clicking through right button I GUESS, But the pix came through, starting with the adorable Wanda Carol Rude, COURTESY of Amy & Nick, child #3, so nice to hear your name often and with love
YOU are gone now 17 yrs, hard to believe. You would not believe there is a war in Ukraine, mass shootings, reversal of Roe v Wade, crazy world, where democracy in the USA is threatened by current events like Jan 6th We must prevail, one foot in front of the other.
Your memory is kept alive by knowledge of all your actions of love, kindness, & generosity
You always made having fun a priority wheeee!!
LOVE
Your sissy Diane (Donna,)

My wonderful angel sister, you are thought of daily, miss your loving ways and zest for adventure
Feel sorry that Arthur, Nadia, Gia, & John know you only from sweet memories shared and never had the experience of your abundant loving attention. My only compensation is in knowing you are in a better place, with Tata & Mama and in the arms of the Lord
LOVE you always, darling big sister

My dearie sissy, You have had 70 birthdays, but only 59 on earth. I know the parties in heaven cannot begin to compare. I celebrate your memory. You were a Force indeed. Your love of family and friends is legendary. Your heart had limitless capacity. I miss you, we all do. We continue the love in your memory. Donna

Yesterday was your Birthday Aunt Wanda. I thought of you all day fond memories that made me smile and cry. I miss you so much. I will never forget you.

Hello sister Wanda!

Today should of been your 70th birthday...
but you had other ideas.
A tear or two, on what should have been,
a longer performance. Your legendary service and foresight made my life easier,
and other things, for other family possible.
God Bless You and keep you...until later.

Edward Orlowski

Thinking of you Wanda on your birthday, July 19th.
Four years passed and most likely you know all this.
Family, friends, those you helped, remember you, some
more than others. From your unique perspective you most
likely know all this. Know again that we love and miss you.

Another year has gone by, an anniversary day of your passing. Time is blunting the harsh reality that you and I can no longer go to the movies, share a cafe mocha, or shop till we drop. Yesterday Luke pulled out his summer sandals and said, "Auntie Wanda bought me these". Everywhere there are reminders of the thoughtful ways you enriched all our lives: our love of old movies, a good book, a unique way to help a friend in need. Just yesterday I went thru old photo books and relived alot of good memories and read the uplifting inscriptions and hilarious poems you put in my birthday and holiday cards. You were one of a kind and I miss you everyday, dear angel sister. Big ethereal hug, Donna (Diane)

The passing seasons lose meaning to those that have gone ahead. Today was the first day of spring and the first chance to put some fresh flowers on Wanda's grave. It was a biting cold windy day and difficult to find her head stone that was completely covered with leaves. A picture is worth a few words.

Today would have been your 63rd
birthday. Whoever said that time heals all wounds, must not of been
talking about losing a loved one.
I got you roses even when I know
you don't need anything. Peace.

Hey Wandy, this is the 3rd year anniversary of your big 'hasta lavista Baby'. I can hardly believe it has been three years. The pain of loss has kinda thinned out from that lump of grief it was originally. They say, "time heals". But it doesn't address how much a person can be missed. I must say, I am missing you even more than ever. But I just have to deal with it, till we meet again. Say, did you have a peanut butter sandwich on white bread with a glass of milk ready for Ray Smith, who joins you in the heavenly garden?
Today was his wake. It was nice with a nephew coming in from Hawaii and another from Ohio. We all remembered it was your day of passing as well, did you feel our lovey dovey warm thoughts going out to you? Carol, Butch, Jens, Peg, Marie, John, Ev, Manijeh, Terry, Lil, Rosie all were there,and though we honored the fine man Ray Smith was on this earth, we could not help but think how you were "up" there to greet him, show him the lay of the land so to speak; and how we all cherish your memory. Much love, big kiss and hug
Your sissy, Donna

Dearie Wanda,
I had a patient yesterday named Wanda and that does not happen very often and so it made me think of you one more extra time that day. I wonder what you would think of all the "happenings" going on here on planet earth. Stroger Hospital getting a new finanacial leadership board would be one thing you'd be tickled by I'm sure. And all the family changes . . . inevitable I suppose, everything changes. The one thing that does not, is how much you're missed. Life is so different without you physically around. Que sera, sera. Hope you are having a blast, you deserve only the best. Love ya forever, your sis, Donna

Alas, it's still winter, almost the third month into a new year. You are still as always...gone but not forgotton. Wishing you were here and
knowing we all eventually will be there. It's 2-27-2008 as I write this.

Christmas just hasn't been the same without you Wanda. You loved to play Santa and were very good at it! It's
officially winter and you my dear are
officially missed!

hey there girlie girl,
your sissy is thinking of you, like she does everyday. This would have been a big party week if you had been around, being your birthday and all, and Alex's as well. July will always be a special month for all your family and friends, the month of your birth, the month of your passing; it be 2 years now. It is really tough not having you around, but I am doing the best I can minus my best friend, movie guide, tour guide and social director. Wo, you made your mark in my life and countless others. I can only hope that you are reaping the rewards of your many kind and charitable acts. Put in a good word for me. Always in my heart, Lov D.
P.S. Thanks for the Basia miracle, you are always looking out for us.

Hello to all the friends and family
of Wanda. Two years since Wanda retired, I say it that way because that's the only way she really would retire. She holds special memories for each of us. Wanda, what are you up to?

W.O.
This would have been your 62nd B-Day and you would have been joining the ranks of other 62 year olds: Arden, Sandy and me! Sandy officialy retired and will be receiving her first SS check next month - I can't believe I'm talking about retirement, we're too young for that nonsense!
I continue to think of you often.
Love,
MRP

Dear Wanda,
Has it been over a year since I wrote to you? Although time has passed so quickly my thoughts of you remain. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you.
You have been on my mind quite a bit this weekend. I spent a few days at Woodsmoke with my niece Kara and a few of her friends. We shopped at Jewel in Morris and only spent $250.00 for stocking everything and food for 7 people!!!
As we made our way around Jewel, Kara reminded me a lot of you. She was looking for some bargains while still buying her favorites. Sound familiar? When we got things to the trailer she put everything away just like you always did. I didn't go to the pool but the kids did. Both pools are heated now. I can remember the days when we would have to "numb" our way into pool #2.
I spent some time on the deck with the deafening sound of the 17 year circadia(sp). I coud see you sitting at the picnic table, reading a magazine while having a cup of coffee. The things we remember and can visualize! I don't go out to the camper much and haven't played Scrabble since you've been gone. Donna was kind enough to give me your Scrabble game and dictionary, something I'll always treasure.
Can't remember if I told you but Arden found a breast mass last year which turned out to be cancer. She had surgery, finished 6 rounds of chemo and had 36 radiation treatments. She's now on Irimedex and her hair is starting to grow back.
I miss not talking with you and sometimes I get angry that you are not still here.
Donna and Ed and I have been seeing each other about 3 times a year. And where do we meet? At Harrah's in Joliet and part of our conversation always turns to you. We'll be getting together on the 21st.
You're always in my thoughts and prayers.

It is wonderful to see in print that Wanda continues to be in our hearts and minds. I have a picture of Wanda in her white nursing uniform dress that must be 30 years old, easy, that I look at and get a chuckle from while getting ready for work. I miss our "work" conversations where we discussed the fantastic events that we experienced or witnessed thru the course of our nursing day. I thank the Lord that Wanda inspired me to enter this very satisfying profession. AS for picture taking, I can never click the shutter of a camera without thinking of the picture Wanda would be taking. Her friend Marlene says since she doesn't have pictures to share back and forth with Wandy, she just put her camera away, it just wasn't the same. Sigh. WE sure do miss you girlie girl. Hope heaven is everything it is cracked up to be because you deserve it. Thanks for all your essence that you shared with me. What I have lost cannot be put into words. But I can at least say I had Wanda for my sister and that says it all.

Aunti Wanda, I think of you often, especially when I meet someone who looks like you or has your kindness. I think there name should be Wanda. You will always be remembered. As time goes by we will never forget our loved ones who has gone to heaven to be with our Lord. I hope you and my Mom celebrate her birthday on Monday. I know you both will have a good time as you always did. You always celebrated my mom's birthday with love, gifts, food, and Pictures. I miss your pictures. You were our camera lady in the family. I remember when I forgot my camera at my daughters confirmation and there you were my life saver for the day with your camera. You took GREAT PICTURES. I miss you so much.,Parties, holidays, will never be the same without you and my mom. But I know you are with us in Spirit. And we must carry on your spirit with us. You'd be proud of me, I bought a new digital camera. I'm trying to carry on the lagacy. Love, Donna

Yesterday, I visted Maryhill to put some fresh roses on Wanda's grave. The date said spring but it actually felt like cold winter again with the wind blowing.
Wanda...gone, still not forgotton!

Just a little over 6 months since my last or anyone's entry. It's winter time in Chicago and a nice place to be inside. What can I say? Wanda is still gone...but not forgot. Times during each day I think of her and what she might be up to. Whatever personal beliefs,she got a head start on finding her own. Wanda was
all about giving...her time and money to her family and even strangers. Thru her work she came
across many and helped those she could. She had the biggest heart and was and still is on many the mailing
lists. I like to think that she's still up to something good...somewhere...somehow.

The Stepping Stone

The Lord came to me like a dream, one day,
And asked, "Why do you sorrow?"
I answered, "Lord, my life is so full of pain.
I can't face one more tomorrow."


The Lord sat down beside me
And gently took my hand.
He said, "Let me explain to you
And then you'll understand.

Each sorrow is a stepping stone
You must surmount each day
And every stepping stone you climb
Is a sorrow that's passed away.

The road of life is a mountainside,
With crevices in which to be caught.
But, as you struggle on your way,
I, the Rock, will lend support.

Every stepping stone you climb
Makes spirit and heart grow strong,
Exercising character and faith,
This road seems painful and long.

The way is paved with stepping stones
To uplift your heart and soul.
Though difficult. they aid your way
To a City paved with gold.

I know that you are tired.
For, I, too, have walked this way.
My sorrows did they multiply.
But, I cleared many stones away.

I left my rock to lift you up.
I left behind my story
To give you strength, to make your climb
To that special place in glory.

And, never fear, the Rock is here.
You'll never climb this mountain alone.
Surmount life's sorrows, continue on,
For they are but stepping stones.

Auntie Wanda, Thinking of you on this special day. Happy Birthday! You will always be affectionately known to those who knew and loved you. Not to mention the many who had been touched and Inspired by your kindness. Thank you for all the memories we hold in our hearts. I hope you get a chocolate cake in Heaven. Happy Heavenly Birthday,



Love Always,

Donna, John, Crystal, Jackie.

Today July 19th is your birthday. Happy Birthday Auntie Wanda. We love you! Thankyou for always making our birthdays so memorable. Love,

Vicki, Mike, and Alex

Dearie Wanda, Did you hear us singing on Sunday at Maryhill, the anniversary of one year of your passing? The plant that Christine sent in your memory last year bloomed 2 beautiful exotic white flowers in your memory. Everyday I find my thoughts stray to details of our lives together. Thank goodness time has made the sadness just an ache in the heart,just the way the poems tell you. But sure do miss my sissy Wanda. Thanks for all the action I got on the nickel machine at Harrah's!!! you always told me walk away with something left in my pocket. Good advice. Big hug and kiss. YOUr sis, Donna

Roses are Red

Violets are Blue

I love you and I miss you!

Auntie Wanda you are a very wonderful, kind person.

Love, Alex

My Auntie Wanda and Auntie Carol were both truly incredible people. They both made me feel good about myself with their compliments and kind ways. I miss them so much. God bless them always. Love, Vicki

OH MY GOD!!! THIS is so Beautiful. I am crying with joy, just knowing that they are together forever in heaven. Thank you Ed for sharing, I know Aunti Wanda is so proud to have you as her brother. you were always there for her and you are still there no matter what. I'm so grateful for the picture. You are amazing!! I can see the halos all around. Thank you ED. I appreciate all you do! Don't ever stop sharing pictures, Isn't it wonderful we had cameras and I know Auntie Wanda always had one in her purse. She always loved sharing them with others. I love you auntie Wanda, I love you mother and miss you terribly, I know you both are here with us spiritually. I'm just learning to hold my head up, watching the clouds go by.





Ed can you send this picture to my email address? I really want it. can I print it from here? thanks so much,

Love,Donna

Speaking of angels, I was thinking for awhile of the perfect time to add this picture. The time is now to add this picture of Carol and Wanda. Two great friends. Two decent angels!

A Beautiful picture of Auntie Wanda, she is sooo pretty. I miss her so much. Partie's just aren't the same without her. I miss our talks and her wisdom she always knew what to say. Her love will carry on always in my heart and my memories as long as God permits me. Auntie Wanda I know you and my mom are watching down on us. You're my angels.

My sister Wanda passed away on July 2nd 2005.
She is gone but not forgotton.
Who can say? She's probably helping her patients in other ways.
She believed in God and explored the spiritual and now knows a little more than all of us.
She helped countless folks in her 38 years as an employee of Cook County/Stroger Hospital.
The last 27 years of which were as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner. She made things happen and
she got things done, for her patients, the doctors, co-workers, everybody! Those that knew her and
her work ethic, knew that when she went no one could replace her. But let's be realistic, two or maybe three on a tough day might keep up with her. Wanda is retired now, but believe me not by
her choice. Her talents and compassion were needed elsewhere, so she couldn't stay and so she
went. One year since her passing, only one year. Her family, her friends, whomever she helped,
during her nursing career, all can say, her memory is still strong and will remain so.

Dear Wanda,Soon will be a year that you left us for better place,but I really missed you.I think about you often,how generous ,kind& attentive you were towards me & my family.you are in my prayer always.

It's a VERY colorful scene indeed,

at old Maryhill Cemetery right now.

It looks like the majority of graves have something on them and Wanda's is no exception. I want to thank the person or persons that left some nice

decorations there. I was there this past Monday to add a small purple bouquet of fresh flowers. While there, a penny fell from my pocket. I picked it up, then dropped it again, pushed it down a bit between the flowers and head stone. I thought to mysef,"a penny for your thoughts," just a symbolic gesture.

It is very strange because I was thinking about my Auntie Wanda this morning and even as I was about to check my email I was just thinking of her and my email was from legacy letting me know there was a new entry in Auntie Wanda's guest book. As time goes by the pain of missing my Auntie Wanda is not getting any easier like I thought it would. But I'm happy she's in heaven. What I wouldn't give to spend some time with Auntie Wanda again. Our time left on Earth is so precious let us enjoy what is left with our loved ones! You are so loved Auntie Wanda! May God and his angels surround you always with their love.

Hello Wanda and all family & friends,

Waaazzzzzuuuuupppp!!!??? Yesterday I visited Maryhill to check the grounds and leave a bouquet. It was quite a windy day and I had to find a creative way to secure Wanda's flowers so they would not be shared with the entire cemetery, Wow, what can I say? Just about 9 months since

Wanda passed, not a day, I can't say how many times a day, I'm reminded that she is really gone. The mind, the head, play tricks sometimes but the memory, at least my memory of her goes on. She's got some explaining to do...but for what it's

worth, I'm grateful she's at peace...that I knew her and if I'm lucky, run into her again.

hey wandy sue! i was thinkin of ya yesterday (and every day), and it being valentine's day and how you always liked to make up cute poems for us in your cards . . . I thought i should try one for you:

Roses are REd, Violets are blue,

oh Mary we crown thee with blossoms today, Queen of the angels, queen of the May. It doesn't rhyme, but Ed said you would get it. I don't have the gift for rhyme that you did, but I will endeavor to do better next time. By the way, make note that the 22nd will see some of your family and friends meeting at 'Fight club', try to be there if you can! Chocolates,roses, kisses, and hugs. Miss ya sissy.

Hi Auntie Wanda, its so nice that you have this beautiful Legacy. It's Vicki's birthday today and I know you already knew that, but we are going to dinner tonight to Leona's, if you want to come with us, you are more than welcome to come and join us. You can sit right next to us. We love you and miss you very much. You are always in my heart. Thank you for all your caring ways and your words of Wisdom. I will always treasure special moments and our pep talks. Thank you for being the special lady that you are. Say hi to my mom for me and Tell her I love her and miss her.

Love ya,

Donna

My Auntie Wanda was a great inspiration for incorporating many positive things in my life, including patience, selflessness, laughter, smiles, practicing foreign accents, family gatherings, an appreciation for the arts, traveling, and so many other gems. It's really weird to think that she's already on the next level and not here to make her mark, but then again she is - through our memories and awesome efforts like this guest book to keep them fresh and filled with the vitality that she seemed to always exude towards others. Much love to you Auntie Wanda! And thanks for all the great postcards and experiences that allowed me to share the ride.

Hello and Happy New Year to all.

A new year brings the chance of new things for everybody. Wanda's guest book will probably taper off for the time being. If anything changes than probably somebody will be adding something. I know that doesn't mean those who loved Wanda think less about her loss than before. Than before the end of 2005 I guess. Again all the best.

Wanda,

I've been thinking about you quite a bit lately. I guess that's what the holidays do to people, make them remember their special friends. And that's what you've always been to me, a special friend. I should be sending you a Christmas card but instead I'll write in your guest book:

You're a special friend, you ignore my faults, share my dreams, take good care of my secrets, ease my worries and raise my spirits. And you will always have a place in my heart that no one else can fill. Love,

Hi Auntie Wanda, Mike brought up a few cards from the basement. One was from Thanksgiving last year and in it you told us to save the date December 10th to go to the Christmas Play. Well here we are exactly one year from that date. We had fun that day at the play. You were so fun to be around. I really miss you. I wish I could see you right now and have you here with all of us but I know we'll all meet again in heaven. I love you. Love, Vicki

I think this is quite a nice photo of Wanda. I forget the details of where or when, now it just looks timeless.

Ok folks,
Done with the downer photos of Wanda. From now it's only living pics of Wanda. I know there are quite a few out there and I will add them when I can. I invite everyone to add a favorite pic of Wanda if possible. Anyway, stop by when you can and enjoy the living photos of Wanda. The rest are reality, but such a downer.

Well, this is one of the photos I wanted to post from Wanda's wake.

Hello all you Wanda fanatics out there. Thanksgiving was a miss without Wanda there, Christmas, New Years and the rest of my life, will no doubt be scored a big miss where she's concerned. I finally got a scanner, so I can share some pictures from Wanda's wake and the scene at Maryhill Cemetery, that day.

Well the first Thanksgiving without Wanda nibbling on a crisp turkey wing, has come and gone. She was with us in spirit for sure.Things are just so different without her, I feel I have slipped into another dimension, the "Life without Wandy" version. I thought we would be old ladies together, sigh, it was not to be in this life. We all just have to do the best we can without you, Wanda. And Ed is so right, if we could turn back the clock there would be so many things we would like to do differently. So this is a wake up call, you have to live every day to the fullest, and just do the best you can everyday. As always, Wanda, you are a great teacher. You are in my thoughts and in my heart 24/7

One of my mother's strengths was laughter. She had a good time and so did everyone around her. People loved her becasue she made them feel good about themselves. I know Aunti Wanda was one of these people. Aunti Wanda was and still is a loving memory that we will have forever with us. I now make an extra effort to be social, to stop and smell the roses with my family, I feel the biggest compliment you can pay to people you have loved and lost is to keep a part of them alive in yourself, memorializing their significance.

To my mother I say " Until we meet again" Mom I love you, but you already know that." My mom always sang this song "que sera, sera." she always knew whatever will be, will be. Thank you for some of my best childhood memories.

Auntie Wanda I know you are on the other side with my mom...we are connected. You are one of the most caring person ever. Remember you are always a part of us. I love you!

Hello everyone,

I hope you all had the best Thanksgiving! Yes, it's obvious this is the first major holiday without our beloved Wanda. I'm sure everyone by now is missing loved ones around this time of year. But, this guest book is for Wanda Orlowski. I know it would not be fair to judge the worth of a person's life by the number of online entries in a blog like this. I will just state this, that if all the individuals that Wanda surely helped during her life, had access to a computer to write a note about it, the reading would take quite awhile. Her time, energy and money went far and wide to people and causes she wanted to help. So far, every day there are moments of memory with Wanda in them. Something tells me that if there is a way, Wanda's time and energy is still involved in people and causes, probably more than we know.

Hello again to everybody who knew and loved Wanda! As I sit here waiting to leave to take the car into the dealer this morning, I can't help but to think how ironic it is. I used to resent and even get angry over times when it seemed I was just Wanda's chauffeur, driving,waiting, driving. Now just about four months after her passing, I'm embarassed to think about it and admit it. If I could change anything...it would be plenty! I don't have to dwell on it too much, just a friendly reminder, try to be more aware of getting angry. Then, remember who you are angry at, friend or family,no matter who, remember yourself and you will have less regret. Wishing you all the best!

Wanda Orlowski,

It's me!!!! I haven't looked at your guest book until this evening. Ed connected me to you.

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you. There's always something around me that reminds me of you: a picture, a trip. a tropical beach, a certain food, etc. etc. etc. Wanda, you are always around me, I can feel it. I'm sure you know that your family gave me your leather jacket - such exquisite taste!!! It fits well except for the hips. Like always, I thought I'd lose some weight before it was time to wear your jacket, but alas, another failed attempt. I'm really missing you. Marlene Rose

Thanks Ed for the info regarding the Cemetary, It's nice to know that you can print it out on the computer at the cemetary. I am glad to hear that Wanda's headstone is on.

I will go and visit her soon.



Donna

Hi Auntie Wanda, its me Jackie, Please be my angel as I learn how to drive my new car. you and my grandmother can come with me anytime. I will never forget you!

love, Jackie

Thinking of you as the fall settles in, It's getting chilly outside, Its time for our coats, I am missing you, you are greatly missed by many! and I want you to know that You are the most generous person that treated my mom with Love and so much compassionate. I want to thank you so much for being so kind to everyone. I found a card from my mom's collections that I have, and It was from you, I started to cry because It was so touching and so meaningful. Your reflection has captured my soul. I know you are having the time of your life in heaven with my mom. Please give her a kiss and a hug for me.

I love you aunti Wanda.

Donna

Dearie sissy, missing you today, like everyday. Time for us to head out to Vegas; visit a pumpkin patch for hot cider and corn on the cob; check out the latest flicks. Last year on my 50th B-Day, you took me to Las Vegas. It will be my 1st Birthday without you there helping me celebrate. Looked at some of your cookbooks with the yummy pictures that you loved to scan and plan to make. So many things remind me of the fun you made of life's simple pleasures, the fragrant body creams you loved to slather on and always included in one of your famous gift bags was the first one to hit me today. Miss you mucho young lady. You would love it, someone asked me last week, "who was the older sister, you or Wanda?" I had to tell Ev that one.

What keeps me going is knowing you are in a better place, having a fabulous time meeting all your favorite saints and all the other "who's WHO" in heaven. Love ya and miss ya everyday. Sissy Donna

Hello to all who knew and loved Wanda,
If any body would be interested in visiting Wanda's grave at Maryhill Cemetery, her marker headstone has been in for a few weeks now. Just drive down to the office to look up her name and location and the computer will print it out for you.

Dear Auntie Wanda, It is so hard to be here without you. Your loss has left such a void in our family. I try not to be sad because I know you wouldn't want that and I know that you're doing good. I want you back here with us. It's been 3 months but time has not made missing you any easier. Please help Babcia she is so sad. You have such a kind, giving spirit and you deserve the best of everything. I hope you're having a good time up in heaven. I love you forever, I'll write again soon. I'm so happy to have e-mail now!

Dear Auntie Wanda, I miss you so much. I can't believe that I can't pick up the phone and call you. You were a living angel. I know that you are up in heaven still protecting and looking out for us as you did here. I hope you take some time out to dance, travel, and shop. Until we meet again. I love you. Love your godchild Vicki p.s. you are and always will be in my thoughts, prayers, and most importantly in my heart. You have touched my life and I'll never forget the way I felt in your presence. I love you.

My aunt Wanda is someone I will miss until the day I leave this Earth. Not a day goes by that I don't think of her. She was such a big part of my life from day 1. She showered me with so much love and kindness. I am happy to have known this incredible woman. Wanda was always there for me and my husband and son. She always remembered our birthdays and would take us out to eat, to plays and to movies. Most of my joyous memories include Wanda. She planned all our family celebrations. It was all from her heart. She singlehandely got the food, desserts, presents, and then had enough energy to take the pictures. These pictures she would later compile into photo albums. These photo albums are now something that I will treasure forever. I love my Auntie Wanda and always will. I know she's up in heaven and I should be happy for her but I can't help myself from crying. I miss her.

I miss her loving smile. I miss her caring eyes. She treated everyone the same nobody was more loved than the other. She was wonderful. I didn't want her to leave, but she did. It was her time to go. She will see the people that died before her. I miss her so much. So God please tell her I love her forever. She may be gone but she's still in our hearts. She will never be forgotten.

Happy Birthday Auntie Wanda, I wish you were here so I can give you a big Kiss, so, now I will kiss your picture and the Angel that I have that reminds me of you. I know you are loving Heaven, Have a Great Birthday with my mom. I miss you and love you very much.

Love, Donna

Today would have been and is my sister Wanda's 60th birthday. To mark this special day I'm going someplace we last went to together about 3 months ago. That place became a favorite of hers. It will not be the same without her, much like everyday since her passing.

Wanda, dear sister, you have a 60th birthday tomorrow. Funny how you were so emphatic that we were not to make any surprise plans to celebrate the big 6-0. On your last day on this earth, July 2nd,

we all sang happy birthday to you and said "surprise" but it is you who had the biggest surprise for us all. Now we all have to get use to you only being accessible in our dreams and sweet memories . . .

till we meet again. I got the Grand Prize when I got you for a Big Sister; you loved it when we got asked "who is the older sister?" Always the thoughtful one, you 'go ahead to check things out' for the rest of us. Memories of your kind and loving ways will forever keep you close in our hearts. Big hug and kiss, "nasia Wandziu".

Love ya kiddo, "Donna"

I worked closely with Wanda on Ward 64 and the outpatient Fantus Oncology clinic. She was a caring Nurse and thoughtful to patients and staff. She liked to take pictures at staff holiday parties and give us copies of them. Wanda is truly missed. You have my sympathy.

I met Wanda on vacation in Michigan. I was almost 9,Wanda was almost "Sweet 16" and I thought that was so cool. She was the first person I knew who wore contact lenses. And when she became a nurse, I thought that was so awesome. Years went by and Wanda was there to see my newborn babies,their baptisms, First Communions, and graduations. She loved to celebrate, and I loved that she loved to eat cake! She made everyone feel special, no matter who they were. She was lucky to have such a wonderful family, to whom I send my condolences. I love you all.and thank you for letting me into your lives. Today we watched Wanda leave on her final journey...and I'm sure the angels welcomed her into God's heavenly kingdom.

Today we said goodbye to Wanda when we buried her at Maryhill Cemetery. My parents, close family and friends waited and watched until the entire process was finished. Whatever had to be buried will never cover up what was most important about Wanda and her legacy. Her dedication to helping others in her work, her zest for living life and enjoying it all, and finally her love for her family, friends, and those she worked with each day.

Wanda was probably the happiest person I have ever known. She always had a smile on her face and had a zest for life that so many people admired. They say you really get to know a person by the company he/she keeps. After meeting some of her friends and listening to the stories that they shared about her, there is no doubt in my mind that we have lost a gem; a one-of-a-kind. She left us all too soon. But I know she is somewhere up there with the big Guy taking pictures so she can share them with us when we see her again.

My sister Wanda was one of a kind, that's for sure. For the most part she kept the true nature of her illness, a secret, even to her own family. What is not a secret is the impact my sister Wanda had on those she met and helped throughout her 38 year career working at Cook County Stroger Hospital. Those who know of this know that she did things behind the scenes to try and help every patient, no matter what. She did not wish to retire because of her love of that job. So she worked as long as possible, I even witnessed her answering her pager, returning calls, while in the doctor's office.

I know her legend will grow. Those that already know of her exploits and stories about her helping others

may be surprised at the sheer number of people that she did help. I hope that secret comes out in a timely fashion. Thanks to all for sharing.

Our most sincere sympathy to Wanda's family. It is hard to believe she is no longer with us. We remember with great joy the many times she visited us in Michigan. We had so much fun laughing, talking, and playing games. Wanda was a very thoughtful and generous person. She will be sorely missed.

Wanda was a gem. My sincere sympathies to her family.

What can one say about a woman so wonderful? She had such a beautiful smile that could light up a room. She was generous and kind hearted to everyone she came in contact with. Most of my picture collection came from Auntie Wanda and for that I am truly blessed and will always be thankful. My Wedding Shower, My Wedding, Cody's Baptism, My mom's 60th Birthday Party and MANY MORE! She will be missed dearly and remembered in our hearts forever!



Love Kim, Walter, Brandon and Cody Logan

Auntie Wanda will be truly missed, we will miss her kind and loving ways, she always knew how to make us feel special, especially my mother who loved her dearly. Now they're together in heaven. There is love that will live forever, and there are memories that will shine through the sorrow. May the memories comfort you, May it comfort you to know that Auntie Wanda is now at Peace.

God will be with you always.



with our Deepest Sympathy,

John, Donna, Crystal, Jackie.