Wanda P. Bower

Wanda P. Bower, a beacon of love and kindness in her community, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on July 24, 2024, in the comforting presence of her family at her daughter Cathy's home. Born on April 26, 1932, in Kistler, Pennsylvania, Wanda spent her life nurturing those around her with a gentle strength and an unwavering commitment to her family and faith.

Wanda's life was a testament to the power of love and the bonds of family. She is survived by her daughters Cathy Bower, Julie (Dan) Berry, and Terri (Michael) Kassapian. Her legacy continued to grow with her cherished grandchildren, Matthew (Shannon) Poll, Morgan Berry, Brian (Allison) Berry, and Brandon (Rebecca) Kassapian, and her adored great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her "GG Wanda" – Noah, Haven, Bailey Poll; Eli Dunlap; Corinne, and Elise Berry; Evelyn, Alexander, and Lucas Kassapian. Also mourning her passing are her sister Marsha Staley; sisters-in-law Lucille Stydinger, Ethelda Stydinger, and Janice Bower. Wanda was predeceased by her parents, Hazel Myers and Remy Cole; her children, Dale Anna Poll and David Bower; and her siblings Kenneth Stydinger, Vernon "Lem" Stydinger, Gloria Summers, Lana Stewart, and Nelson Stydinger.

Wanda's heart remained intertwined with that of her late husband, James Bower, whom she married on January 29, 1954, in Cedar Springs, Pennsylvania. Their nearly 70-year union was blessed with shared dreams, laughter, and unwavering support until his passing on January 4, 2024. It was said that Wanda died of a broken heart from her husband's passing, a testament to the depth of their love.

As a devoted member of the Lounsberry United Methodist Church, Wanda's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She actively participated with the United Methodist Women and found joy in serving others alongside her husband. Wanda's kind and loving nature was also evident through her work with the Order of Eastern Star, her dedication to visiting the homebound with Meals on Wheels, and her involvement in the monthly Masonic Dinners.

Wanda was a loving wife, a doting mother, and a grandmother who devoted her time to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She babysat her grandchildren and had a special bond with her great-grandson Eli, whom she cared for after school. Wanda was a wonderful homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home. Even as her eyesight waned, preventing her from enjoying one of her favorite pastimes, reading, Wanda's love for stories never diminished, as she found joy in the tales of her family's adventures and their achievements.

The words that best describe Wanda are loving, kind, and thoughtful. She embodied the essence of these qualities in every aspect of her life, always putting the needs and happiness of others before her own. A quote that captures the spirit with which Wanda lived comes from Mother Teresa: "Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." Wanda truly spread love everywhere she went, and those who knew her always left her presence feeling happier and more loved.

As we bid farewell to Wanda, we celebrate a life rich in love, a life that touched so many others with its warmth and generosity. Her legacy of kindness and the memories of her loving spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Abiding with her wishes there will be no services. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting her guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel. Those who wish may kindly consider remembering their local Animal Shelter or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in loving memory of Wanda P. Bower.