Wanda B. Messerly , 95, died peacefully on April 9, 2022. Wanda was the first child born to Freeman VanKleeck and Reeta Peet, September 5, 1926, in Kingston, New York. Wanda had 2 younger brothers.

Wanda graduated from Kingston High School and attended Spencer's Business College. Her family moved to Florida in 1946, to improve her father's health, before she could finish her college courses.

Wanda was brought up in a very close-knit family, surrounded by relatives who lived within walking distance of one another, forming strong, nurturing bonds. They relied on one another to survive the Great Depression, learning the importance of putting family first. The core values of being trustworthy, honest, dependable, patient, and kind were modeled daily, by her large extended family.

Wanda married Frank, the love of her life, in 1948. For 72 years they enjoyed camping, boating, their pool, card games, and Cribbage. They loved to travel and went to most of the United States, including Alaska. They took many Casino trips, even into their early 90s. They loved each other through personal health scares for each of them, the loss of their beloved only son, and the care and loss of their own parents. They shared the joys of being parents, becoming grandparents to their only granddaughter, their daughter becoming a teacher, and attending their granddaughter's wedding when they were both 90.

Wanda was a great mother and always put her family first. Once her children were in school, she attended Mary Karl College of Workforce and Continuing Education. She was a Volunteer, PTA Secretary, and PTA President at North Ridgewood Elementary. She also took Driver's Ed during that time. In 1975, Wanda was installed as the first President of the Lions Club Auxiliary, also known as the Lioness Club in Daytona Beach,
In 1962, against Frank's protests, she became the church secretary of Highlands Presbyterian Church. She worked for Reverend Barry VanDeventer, then, Reverend A. Blake Brinkerhoff for a total of 29 years.

Wanda loved to read, bake, sew, crochet, and do crafts. She and her daughter participated in the LaCosta Village Craft Sale for several years. She made numerous prayer shawls for Port Orange Presbyterian Church, where she and Frank were active members for 12 years, until declining health restricted their attendance.

Wanda was predeceased by Frank; their son, Dean C. Messerly; and her oldest brother. She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Brannan (Paul) Holly Hill; granddaughter, Jessica Wagers (Jason), 2 great-grandsons, Jacob Wagers and Jaxon Wagers, Daytona Beach; a niece, Elizabeth Ann Luff (Palmer) Florida; a nephew, Hal VanKleeck (Patty) Florida; numerous nieces and nephews, Washington State. We are eternally grateful for the many angels, at Port Orange Nursing and Rehab, who faithfully and compassionately cared for Wanda since March, 2021.

Wanda and Frank's ashes will be scattered, at a later date, with a private family service. There will be no funeral but we ask that Mom be remembered through favorite memories you shared. Every time you see a carnation, stop to enjoy it's lovely fragrance and beauty, in remembrance of Mom. When you enjoy the warmth of sun on your face or the coolness of a pool, Spring, or the beach, remember that Mom enjoyed those, too. When you enjoy friendly competition, warm hugs, or the closeness of family and friends, know that you celebrate Mom's enjoyment of them, as well. She loved and cherished her friends but always put her family first.

Arrangements entrusted to Cardwell, Baggett & Summers Funeral Home of S. Daytona, Florida. Condolences may be shared at this online guestbook.