Wanda Howell

Wanda Howell was a woman of many titles and an even greater heart. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, volunteer, and community leader. Most of all, she was someone who devoted her life to caring for and connecting with the people she loved.

Wanda was born in Toronto, Ontario on May 28, 1934. Although she faced challenges early in life, she never allowed her circumstances to define her. She was raised by her Aunt and Uncle (Eric and Lillian Thomas) and grew up with her cousin Neil, who was like a brother to her. Through determination, resilience, and an unwavering work ethic, she built a life centered on family, service, and love.

She worked multiple jobs throughout her life to ensure her family always had what they needed. Her early career in Toronto included positions with Canada Foils and C.A. Pembertons. Later, after moving to Midland, Ontario, she worked as a typesetter for the Midland Free Press while spending evenings helping her husband, Dave, in the family pizza business.

Wanda was predeceased by her beloved husband, David Howell, and her son, Stephen Hall. We find comfort in imagining Stephen waiting with open arms to welcome her home.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Fletcher; her grandchildren, Robert Fletcher (Karen Jarvis), Amber Hall, and Krystal Hall (John Wang); and her cherished great-grandchildren, Connor and Taylor Fletcher, and Jaxxon and Amara Wang. She was also a proud aunt to Luella Issepon, who lovingly shared, "Ifl were to select a favourite aunt, it would be Wanda Howell. Since a person can't choose who they are related to, I guess I was the luckiest niece in the world -and even luckier because I let her know it often."

Being a grandmother and great-grandmother brought Wanda immense joy. She was incredibly proud to be an active part of her Ontario-based great-grandchildren's lives, watching them grow into the remarkable young adults they have become. She treasured every visit, phone call, milestone, and memory, and longed for more time with her newest great-grandchildren.

After retirement, Wanda moved to Heritage Village in Unionville, where she quickly became a beloved and active member of the community. She volunteered at countless events, served as Chair of the Council, worked at the reception desk of the seniors' centre, and received numerous recognitions for her dedication and service. Her apartment door was always open to friends and neighbours seeking conversation, laughter, or companionship.

Wanda had a wonderful sense of humour that endeared her to everyone she met. Whether she was sharing the latest Hollywood gossip from Entertainment Tonight, recapping CNN headlines, telling a joke guaranteed to make you laugh, or enjoying a spirited game with family, she had a way of making every gathering brighter. Anyone who visited her apartment knew they would likely be competing with her television, usually set somewhere around volume 80.

She kept her mind sharp until the very end. Wanda never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or milestone and was known for her cherished tradition of personally calling loved ones each year to sing Happy Birthday. She lived for traditions, family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and any occasion that brought people together. She was deeply family-oriented and proudly suffered from a severe case of FOMO-she never wanted to miss a moment with those she loved.

On June 30, 2026, Wanda took her final breath in Markham, Ontario, surrounded by loving family members. While her absence leaves a tremendous void, her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the sacrifices she made, the laughter she shared, and the countless lives she touched.

Thank you, Mom, Grandma, GG, Aunt Wanda, and friend, for the boundless love you gave so freely. We will forever miss your presence, your smile, your humour, and your larger-than-life personality. Heaven has gained another angel, and we find comfort in knowing that your love remains with us through all of life's beautiful and difficult moments.

In accordance with her wishes, Wanda will be cremated and laid to rest beside her son, Stephen, on family land in Welland, Ontario, where she will be planted as a tree -a lasting symbol of a life rooted in love, strength, and family.