Wanda Nace

After a life well-lived, Wanda Nace passed away in College Station, Texas on Monday, December 19, 2016. Born in Baltimore in 1940 Wanda grew up outside Charlottesville, Virginia. As a child Wanda was happiest outside in the woods, playing with her siblings, and helping her mother with farm chores. Her teachers and church leaders recognized Wanda's potential and arranged scholarships which allowed her to attend Radford College where she earned a BS in Education. Following graduation Wanda married David Nace and moved to Maryland where they raised their three childrenBill, Julie, and Wendy. Wanda taught elementary school, ran her church office and directed human resources for two start-up firms. Wanda was active in the church and community, volunteered her time to those most in need, and enjoyed several book groups. Over the years, her family grew to include her children's spousesMasayo Kohama, Donald Hale, and Arthur Castroand five grandchildrenAki, Sarah, Benjamin, Logan, and Elaine. Wanda's greatest loves, besides her family and friends, were Bible study, gardening, and birds. Wanda's favorite conversations revolved around family, theology, planting schedules, and wildlife sightings. She often commented on how her name meant "Wanderer," for she loved to roam through the woods and meadows where she communed with God amidst his loving creation. In 2008 Wanda and David moved to Kalamazoo, where they spent their retirement camping, fishing, bicycling, travelling, and indulging their grandchildren as often as possible. After David died in 2010, Wanda moved to College Station, Texas to be near her daughter, Wendy. Wanda was an incredibly caring soul who showed love to everyone she met. Her legacy reminds us to seek out and celebrate the gifts of Godin nature and in each otherevery single day. Friends and family will celebrate Wanda's life at 11:00 am on June 21, 2017 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Highland, Maryland. Burial will take place the next day at the cemetery in Oakland, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, her family has requested that gifts be made to the Alzheimers Association(www.alz.org) or Hospice Brazos Valley (800-824-2326).