Obituary, Wanda Ann Andresen, 83

Wanda Ann Andresen, 83 passed away at the Wrangell Medical Center on July 16, 2014 with family by her side.

Wanda Ann Brady-Casey, was born in 1930 in St. Louis, Mo., and spent her childhood growing up there and later in New Jersey where she graduated from Leonia High School. While in her early twenties, she worked in New York City for Metropolitan Life Insurance until she moved to the west coast to be closer to her sister, Delores Linderson.

She moved to Olympia, Wash., and met telephone man Carl (Bud) H. Andresen Jr. The two were married at Sacred Heart Church in Lacey, Wash. and raised their family of five children in Olympia.  Wanda worked for the State of Washington, while raising her family.  She brought up her children in the Catholic faith and was active at St. Michael Parish and involved in the Legion of Mary and Altar Society.

She enjoyed spending time with friends and family in the outdoors, picnicking and camping throughout Washington. She once water skied nearly all the way around Harstine Island. She loved boating and fishing, always insisting on holding her own pole. She also loved reading, music and dancing.

She moved to Wrangell, Alaska in 1983 to be near family and grandchildren. She worked at the cannery, for the Senior Center and greeted cruise ships.  She became involved at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church becoming a Eucharistic Minister.

She made many dear friends throughout her life, remembering them through stories, letters and photos. Wanda was thankful for the gentle care she received later in life at the Wrangell Medical Center.  Before becoming a resident herself, she spent time offering communion to the long term residents.

She was predeceased by her life love, and soul mate Carl (Bud) Andresen, sister Delores Linderson, brother Joseph Casey, and brother John Vorberger.

She is survived by; her children, Stanley Andresen, David (Peggy) Andresen, Mary Svenson, Kathleen Andresen, Kevin Andresen (Christy); grandchildren, Erin, Christopher, Nathan, Joseph, Kimberly and Karly Andresen; great grandchildren; Mindy, Everett, Jenna and Chase Meissner, Kaya and Maile Andresen; brother Jerome Casey; and sister Mary Ann (Brady).

A funeral mass was held July 25, 2014 at St. Michael's Parish in Olympia with a graveside service following immediately at the Calvary Cemetery in Tumwater, Wash.  A reception took place afterwards at St. Michael Parish.

A memorial mass will take place at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wrangell on Sept. 14 at 11:00 am with a gathering in the church hall afterwards.