Wanda DeWilde

Wanda Gail Dewilde passed away on December 9, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio surrounded by loved ones. She left behind a legacy of kindness and compassion. Her sense of humor and ever-present smile will be missed by many.

Wanda is survived by her beloved husband Emmanuel Dewilde, three children, Kevin, Mindy, and Gloria Gertsch, and two sisters Linda (Lynn) Thompson and Joan (Jack) Cox, and several grandchildren. Preceding her in death are her parents Ernest Milliron and Hazel Blair Detar, her daughter Valerie Spring, and her siblings Daniel Detar and Donna Vibbert. 

Born on October 25, 1956, in Bradford, Pennsylvania, Wanda's life was a testament to the power of thoughtfulness, empathy, and faith. Wanda graduated from Otto Eldred High School and became a self-employed mother of four who balanced her responsibilities with an unwavering dedication to her family and fellow Jehovah's Witnesses. 

As an active pioneer of Jehovah's Witnesses, Wanda lived her faith with conviction and joy. Her commitment to her beliefs was evident in the way she earnestly shared her hope with others. 

While living in Belgium for over ten years, Wanda learned the Flemish dialect of the Dutch language. She and her husband enjoyed traveling to experience different cultures, but also enjoyed quiet walks on the beach with their dog. 

Although she visited beautiful cities like Paris and Rome, Wanda always called herself a country girl. She loved peaceful rides through the forested hills of Pennsylvania, and would always stop to appreciate the beauty of each creature. She especially enjoyed feeding birds and admiring wildflowers. She also loved to bake and was always thinking of others to share treats with. She was a joyful addition to any gathering and would lighten the mood with her love of puns, song lyrics, or silly poems. 

Reflecting on Wanda's life, a well-known saying applies, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." Wanda may not have sought greatness in the eyes of the world, but the small acts of love she performed every day created ripples that turned into waves of positive impact on those around her.

Wanda Gail Dewilde's passing is not just a loss to her family but to all who were fortunate enough to experience her kindness. Her legacy is one of love and thoughtfulness, a reminder to us all of the profound effect we can have on the world through simple acts of kindness.

Wanda's life was a beautiful journey of love, faith, and kindness. The light of her presence will continue to live on in the hearts of her beloved husband, her cherished children and grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched. In her words to her husband, she expressed her faith, saying "I love you darling, focus on the future." 

As we bid farewell to Wanda, we take solace in the memories she leaves behind, the lessons she taught us, and the love she shared so freely. A service to commemorate Wanda is set for January 4th, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Kane Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.