Wanda’s life was full of magic, laughter, adventure, love, and simple happiness.
Her garden was her temple. She loved to travel and had many adventures in many countries all over the world. She was friends with anyone she met and laughed every day with them. Storytelling, reading, gardening, gift giving, doll housing, and Christmas were a few of her favorite things. This last year she spent her time with her daughters Alanna, Breanne, and Jeanne Marie, and husband Skip in her home (the Hawman family log cabin in Monte Vista, CO). She was born in Colorado and lived in New Mexico, Maryland, and California as well. She worked for the Forest Service for close to 40 years. She was a member and volunteer for the Monte Vista Historical Society, Transportation Museum, Internos Book Club, and League of Women Voters, as well as hosting a community garden, JMOM.
She was gardening on the morning of August 25th, when she suddenly collapsed into a coma (due to a faulty recent heart procedure). She passed into the other realm on September 4, surrounded by her loved ones, with flowers in her hair.
She is survived by her partner Skip Randall, her daughters Alanna Herrera, Breanne Herrera, Jeanne Marie Torrez, Beatrice Berlin, her grand and great-grandchildren whom she loved, her mother Esther Jean Jones, her two brothers and sister, Jim, Mickey, and Ginger Hawman, as well as her innumerable loved ones.
Her ashes will be interred in Monte Vista, CO. A celebration will be held in her honor in the Spring to plant her garden in Monte Vista, if you would like to request to attend, please message Alanna Herrera. There will be a small private family gathering on her birthday.
