Theresa Kolendowicz, Wanda

Wanda Theresa Kolendowicz, 90, of Lakeside Nursing Home, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, March 11, 2005. She was the daughter of Mary and Michael Gieda.

Wanda was a seamstress most of her life. It brought her great joy to sew clothes or crotchet for those she knew. She worked for many years as a seamstress at the Mountain Top Dress Factory in Mountaintop, Pennsylvania. She also had a great interest in gardening and preserving what she grew. Wanda was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary with her late husband. She spent countless hours volunteering at Senior Citizen Centers in Scott, Preble, Dryden, Cortland and Ithaca. She received many awards and recognition for her various volunteer services. While a resident at Titus Towers, Wanda helped serve daily lunches with Foodnet.

Wanda was predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Charles Kolendowicz, in January 1998. She was also predeceased by 3 brothers; John, Joseph, and Michael Gieda, and a sister, Helen Rusnock, all originally of Pennsylvania. She is survived by her brother Edward Gieda of Pennyslvania, her daughter Barbara (Harry Weber) of Trumansburg, and a son Charles (Debi) Kolendowicz of Minnesota. Wanda is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Cheyl (Richard) Reynolds, Harry (Jamie) Weber, Robin (Stacey) Shorts, Kelly (Shawn) Voorheis, Heidi (Scott) Sherwood, Heather ( Billy) Weber, Travis Kolendowicz, and Codi Kolendowicz, and 11 great-grandchildren; Ashley and Caitlyn Reynolds, Zack and Shannon Weber, Rachel and Nicky Shorts, Taylor, Ryan and Jessica Voorheis, and Hayley and Hunter Sherwood.

Wanda's (Mom-Mom's) greatest joy in life was her family. She eagerly awaited each family gathering so that she could be with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her kindness, caring, generosity and contagious smile will be sorely missed.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg on Saturday, April 23, 2005 at 1:00 pm. Prayers of Committal will follow at Grove Cemetery.

Contributions in Wanda's memory may be directed to the Lakeside Resident Council at Lakeside Nursing Home, 1229 Trumansburg Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

For additional information, please contact the funeral home at 1-888-534-5446.

Page Submitted By: Joseph L. Sibley, Director