Formerly of Goleta, CA, died peacefully at her home in Toledo, OH June 1st. She was 89.
Born Wanda Lucille Weems, February 16, 1924 in Fletcher, Oklahoma, Wanda was the daughter of Walter and Opal Weems and sister to Bill, Jack and Gail Weems. Wanda’s family farmed land near Eldorado, Oklahoma and her younger years were spent there.
As a young adult, Wanda moved to Oklahoma City. There she met the love of her life, Charles M. Oliver III, her “Charlie-Bob”, and they were married in August, 1945 upon Charlie’s return from WWII service with the Army Air Corps in Europe. Charlie’s post war military career took them to assignments throughout the U.S. and on a two year assignment with the U.S. Embassy in Karachi, Pakistan which would live on as a highlight of their life together. Returning from Karachi, Charlie and Wanda spent time at Tinker Air Force Base followed by assignments at March, and Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota where Charlie retired after 22 years of military service.
Wanda and Charlie moved to California in 1963 and purchased a new home in North Goleta. The house was Wanda’s dream home complete with bleached oak cabinetry and pink appliances including a pink telephone on the wall. Classic Wanda!
Wanda left her Goleta home in 1996 to live near her children in Cupertino, CA, Flower Mound, TX and Toledo, OH. Her children and grandchildren enjoyed building memories and a lasting friendship with her.
Wanda is survived by her brother Gail Weems; children David (Cindy), Mel (Jocelyn), and Gayle; grandchildren Christopher (Amy), Curtis, and Craig Oliver, Mel (Emily) and William Oliver, and Hayden and Oakley Knauss and great-grandchildren, Caysen and Calli Oliver (Christopher and Amy).
Wanda’s charm and grace will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was always drawn to where the joy was greatest, the laughter loudest and the love strongest. She embraced an “anytime is a party” motto and taught us that life is always to be celebrated.
Cheers Wanda!
Memorial donations may be made to Promedica Hospice, 3333 Sterns Rd., Lambertville, MI 48144
