Wanda Skarke Obituary

Skarke
WANDA LAVERNE SKARKE
November 11, 1928 January 7, 2021
Wanda Laverne Skarke, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully the morning of January 7, 2021. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald; her children, Carolyn (Tom) and Barbara; her grandchildren: Carolyn (Levi), Chris (Kate), and Neilyn; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Catherine (Tim).
Wanda -- or Marmar, as she was known to her grandchildren -- had a wonderful sense of humor, a sharp wit, and a quick tongue. She was a bona fide intellectual and a voracious reader. It is apt, then, that she lived a life fit for an adventure novel, having used her 92 years of life to travel the globe, from the Great Wall to the Barrier Reef and everything in between. Wanda spent years working as a school English and Spanish teacher and even after decades of retirement, would surprise folks with her bilingual abilities. You may have heard the saying, "When an old person passes away, a library burns to the ground" -- and that is very much the case with Wanda's passing. Her knowledge of the world was deep, from her expert culinary skills to her understanding of classical music -- and in her death, we have lost an incredible source of wisdom.
Wanda also loved her children and grandchildren and instilled in them her passion for travel, taking them on many trips around the country in their youth. Above all, her favorite hobby may have been speaking about the accomplishments of her progeny and took great joy in serving as the family matriarch.
But perhaps her greatest pride was her husband, Donald, and their 63 years of marriage. Donald was her partner, her travel companion, and perfect complement to her energy and intelligence. Donald was the push to her pull, the fire to her rain, the yin to her yang. Together, they were a balance of thoughtful intelligence and fiery passion, and all that knew them delighted in their love and interplay.
Wanda took "living life to the fullest" to a new level. While her passing leaves behind a profound sadness, we take solace in the knowledge that Wanda enjoyed a life full of love and adventure.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Wanda's memory to Shadow Cats (www.shadowcats.net )