Wanda was quite the renaissance woman. Even while Wanda worked full time, she enjoyed sewing and knitting, and made most of her stylish wardrobe. Wanda also loved to paint and did not stop until her declining vision prevented it. In addition to being a fine artist (watercolor, oils, pastels and charcoal), she was an ingenious craftsman. With no children of her own, she set about making the lives of her nieces and nephews magical, with her handmade gifts that were often personalized for the lucky recipient.

A nephew, who had just joined Indian Guides, would get a create-your-own totem pole made with wood mill ends Wanda had saved and hand painted. A niece, who liked animals, would get bed sheets to which Wanda appliqued different wildlife and a giant paw on the pillow where the child would lay her head. Stuffed rabbits, fully clothed with jacket and necktie, were one of her specialties. Whatever the gift, the card would often have a little fine sketch next to her signature. And as her nieces and nephews grew, married and had children of their own, Wanda was steadfast in her support, however and whenever she was needed.

Throughout her life, Wanda dedicated countless hours to serving the Presbyterian Church in various roles in regional governance positions for which she has been honored for her special contributions, including as national representative of the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii to Presbyterian Women, an agency of the Presbyterian Foundation, as well as her personal contributions to the San Francisco Theological Seminary, Southern California Presbyterian Homes Foundation and USC School of Pharmacy. 

It was at a Presbyterian church event that Wanda met Korean Pastor Jai Ryoo. The Ryoo family had recently immigrated to the United States. Alone and lonesome in their new country, Jai sought out Wanda’s companionship, and Wanda reciprocated, becoming ‘Grandma' to Jai’s two young sons, Billy and Victor. Wanda held a place of honor in the family, giving the blessing at Billy and Yooli’s traditional Korean wedding and with time Wanda became Great-Grandma to Billy and Victor’s children.

When most people her age were thinking of, if not enjoying, their retirement, Wanda appeared just to be getting started. In 1978, at age 62, while serving on the board of Southern California Presbyterian Homes, Wanda noted the disparities that some elderly people endure who cannot afford the comforts of living in a senior care facility. That is when Wanda founded Life Services, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission was to help sustain or improve the quality of life of frail elderly people regardless of their financial circumstances. Wanda served as the organization's first CEO and president and maintained a leadership role in the organization for over 15 years. 

Wanda did eventually retire from Life Services, long after settling herself at Royal Oaks, senior residential community. She would often take little, or long, trips with one or both of her sisters. Sometimes it would be to Las Vegas, where her lead foot would get them across the desert (and to the slot machines) in record-breaking time; to Mexico for a grandniece's wedding; or it might be treating her sisters to a cruise to South America (the three elderly sisters were referred to as Charlie's Angels for the duration of the trip).

Eventually, Wanda’s sister Ardith also became a resident at Royal Oaks, and together the sisters enjoyed the company of other competitive residents playing Mahjong and RummiKub. When Ardith moved to the assisted living facility at Royal Oaks, Wanda talked with Ardith multiple times daily, at 106 years old, still looking out for those close to her. 

Even as her life was winding down, she had ideas about starting a new charitable foundation. Wanda was a woman of strong independent character, a trailblazer and entrepreneur whose primary concern was taking care of people, especially the people she loved.