After a lengthy battle with ovarian cancer, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend passed away peacefully in her sleep.
She is survived by her husband, Jim; daughters, Samantha (Bruce), Christina (Alex); granddaughter, Avery; as well as brothers, Parker, Dougie, Danny; sister, Brenda; and numerous friends and extended family.
Wanda was born in 1951 in Bridgewater, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. She was one of six children in a military family. Money was tight with six children but Wanda persevered and put herself through University and earned her teaching degree.
Wanda married James Bentley in 1971. James was in the Military and his job took them to many places all over Canada and even Germany. In 1974, their first daughter, Samantha, was born and Wanda quit teaching to raise her. Five years later, she gave birth to their second daughter, Christina. Wanda was a loving and affectionate Mother that would do anything for her children.
Once her children were grown she went back to school and became a bookkeeper, a job she both enjoyed and was good at. Wanda and Jim eventually settled in Sooke, BC. She worked many years at a paving company and later, an electrical company.
No matter what Wanda did, she did it well and always put her whole self into it. Whether it was tackling a big project at work, learning to decorate cakes for her children’s birthdays, or volunteering to be a Brownie leader so her daughters could attend, Wanda would simply master any role that she took on.
Wanda was known for her phenomenal food and could take a cooking mistake and make it into something delicious. Her Christmas open houses were legendary and the food always amazing.
In 2009, she became a Grandmother and fell over the moon in love with her Granddaughter, Avery. She loved spending time with her Granddaughter and one of their favourite things to do was to go shopping and bake together.
Wanda was a true known for her generosity and loving nature. She touched many lives and will be deeply missed.
A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, on Saturday, July 13, 2019 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada https://secure2.convio.net/noca/site/Donation2?idb=1307377117&df_id=1640&1640.donation=form1
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kate Cullen and family
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Brewis Electric Company Ltd. Wanda was a valuable and dedicated member to our company. She showed incredible strength and determination during some very challenging times during her illness. Of the many fond memories we share, the ones that stand out to us most is hearing her talk about her Granddaughter Avery.
On behalf of everyone at Brewis Electric please accept our condolences to Wanda’s family and friends.
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Dennis John Muir I cannot find the words to express our heartfelt sorrow of the loss of Wanda. Along with Jim they were a big part of our extended family. You’ll never be forgotten and have a special place in our hearts.
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Angela Shepherd It is with a heavy heart that I offer my sincerest condolences to the family. Wanda was a very loving soul. She was open and true and spoke her mind. She will be deeply missed not just by her family but by everyone whose lives she touched. Rest in peace Wanda..
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Susan Hayward My deepest sympathy to Wanda’s family. I knew the Tanners from Lunenburg, but did not realize who Wanda was until I came to Oromocto and was the wife of Kevin Hayward. Then the dots were connected between the Hayward’s and how I knew the Tanners. In 2013 Laura Hayward passed away and in 2018 Kevin passed away. They were both important in Wanda’s life.
I grew up with Brenda and Doug and now live 10 minutes from Parker. Cherish all your memories as they will help you move on.
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Jeannette Ives My heart skipped a beat when I read about Wanda’s passing. She was a very special woman, supportive, and I was happy to call her friend. She had a wicked sense of humour, a full life with her family and friends. The only consolation I have is that she no longer is in pain. Even though a lot of time had passed since we saw each other, she was often in my thoughts and I looked forward to her yearly Xmas letter. My heart goes out to Jim and her girls and family. Their loss is Heaven’s gain. I will always remember her with much love.
Jeannette
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Robin, Sharon, Jacqueline, and Daniel Our condolences Jim, Sam, and Christina. We will all miss Wanda. She was a good friend to our family and we have many memories to look back on.
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Howarrd Eames My dear friend Wanda,
You have always been the most wonderful friend to my family and myself. My children loved you as if you were their own and so did I. You will always be near to my heart. May God bless you always.
The loss of a mother, Grandmother, friend is so painful and traumatizing. My heart and thoughts are with Wanda’s family and friends. Our deepest condolences. I know Sam we did not know your Mother, but I am familiar with the heartache. You are in my prayers.