It is with great sadness that the family of Wanda Lou Hibbard announces her passing on Tuesday November 26, 2013 at the age of 60 years. Wanda was predeceased by son, Tyrel, and her mother, Florence. Wanda is survived by her husband, Bill, father, Vernon, brother, Glenn and sister-in-law, Sharon; step children Billy, Diana, Ernest and Marie, seven step grandchildren and one step great grandchild as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. A memorial service for Wanda was held on December 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Lee Funeral Home Regina. Anyone so wishing can make a donation in memory of Wanda to the CNIB 2550 Broad St. Regina, SK S4P 3Z4. Wanda Lou Hibbard, was born August 4, 1953 in Radville. Wanda took her schooling in Minton and Gladmar with the exception of her Grade 12 where she attended and graduated from Western Christian College in 1971. Wanda shared a lot of happy times with her neighborhood friends and school chums while growing up! Wanda was able to attend her 40th High School Class Reunion and reconnected with some her former WCC classmates. The time she spent with them was very special and precious to her. After Grade 12, Wanda took a hairdressing course at Marvel Beauty School in Regina. Wanda's son, Tyrel, her pride and joy was born August 2, 1972. Wanda lived for Tyrel; for many years they only had each other. Wanda supported Tyrel in whatever he did, hockey, baseball, art. When Tyrel got diabetes in his early teens Wanda shared the disease with him trying to help him monitor and control it. When she and Tyrel lived in Minton, Wanda set up a hairdressing shop in her parent's basement. When they moved to Weyburn, Wanda worked at Pan Canadian and Zellers. Later they moved to Saskatoon where Wanda took a Business Administration course. It was in Saskatoon that Wanda met Bill when a mutual friend suggested he give Wanda a call. Their relationship blossomed quickly. Bill had four children and Wanda had Tyrel. Their children always brought an entourage of friends home to visit and Wanda mothered them all. Wanda and Bill lived in many places but Kamsack was their favorite home. Together they built and operated the Northern Lights Hote. Wanda loved the hotel and visiting with all the guests that came through. She loved reading the guest book. The hotel staff and Wanda and Bill became one big family. On May 14, 2002 Wanda went through the agonizing grief of losing her only child. After Tyrel passed away Wanda surrounded her self with the people and the things that she loved. Wanda turned to her some of her best friends, her Eastern Star family. Wanda joined the Ogema chapter in the mid 80's. She affiliated with Prairie Rose Chapter in Weyburn and then Hiawatha Chapter in Kamsack which was her home chapter until her passing. Star was a big part of Wanda's life she loved traveling and going to meetings. Wanda was installed as the Worthy Grand Matron for Saskatchewan in April of 2009 in Saskatoon, and it was one of her proudest moments to be honored this way by all her Eastern Star sisters and brothers. Wanda had so many glorious happy times as worthy grand matron and loved them all! Wanda had her mother Florence's talent for sewing, crocheting and knitting. Many little girls who loved to play with Barbie and Cabbage Patch dolls received a box in the mail from Wanda filled with doll clothes she had made. After Tyrel passed away Wanda was devoted to her grandchildren. Nana was granddaughter, Jasmine's, pet name for Wanda, a name that stuck. The grandkids enjoyed shopping, baking, and just spending time with Nana. Wanda was a great cook and the grandkids all enjoyed many tasty treats she made for them. Wanda, Nana, had several adopted grandchildren as well and loved making care packages for each when they left. Christmas was always a special time for Wanda and Bill, and many of the local families that were a part of their lives were always looked after. The hotel was never closed for Christmas. When Wanda and Bill sold the hotel they moved to Craven for a time and in December of 2012 they moved to the Atrium in Regina. Wanda loved the city but didn't get to enjoy it for very long due to her declining health. The later part of June an MRI revealed that Wanda had a brain tumor. On July 3, 2013 Wanda underwent a 12 hour surgery at which time the doctor could only remove 60% of the tumor. Surgeons had planned to do another surgery to remove the rest of the tumor but Wanda never recovered enough to have a second surgery. After 135 days in the Regina General Hospital and 11 days in the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre Wanda passed away peacefully in the ICU at the Regina General Hospital with family by her side. All who knew Wanda will miss her, most especially her family and special friends. Wanda was a very strong minded lady. When she made up her mind that is the way it was going to be. Many will remember Wanda as someone who was fun to be around; her presence added that spice to life that made many events more memorable.
Afterglow
I'd like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I'd like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I'd like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days,
I'd like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Wanda was a very caring lady, who touched the lives of many people with her cheerful smile, her courage and her outgoing nature!
