Wanda Engstrom (nee Kirkoski)
December 1, 1932 – January 29, 2024.
Wanda Engstrom, passed away peacefully, with family by her side at Pinecrest Long Term Care Home in Kenora on Monday, January 29, 2024.
Wanda was Predeceased by her parents Stanley and Caroline Kirkoski, her brother Bernard Kirkoski and her eldest son John Karl Engstrom on Mother’s Day May 10, 1981.
Wanda was born in Kenora, growing up and living in the North End otherwise known as (Cabbage Flats). She met and married a Lakeside boy John (Cowie) and eventually they moved to War Eagle Lake where she enjoyed many years of Lakeside Living.
Wanda is survived by her loving husband John of 68 years, her sons Donald and Elaine, Ronald, Dale and Cindy along with her six grandchildren, Trisha, Ben, Karl, Allison, Jonathon and Kyley, as well as her eight great grandchildren.
Wanda worked for several years as a cashier at Safeway and Dominion and later she chose to stay home and raise her four boys guiding them along life’s path, which was not always an easy task. She enjoyed her Ukrainian and Swedish Heritage and this was evident in her delicious homemade Borscht, Holubtsi (cabbage rolls), Pedaheh (perogies), and Tunnbrod (Swedish flatbread).
Wanda enjoyed the simple things in life, playing Bingo and her scratch tickets, Blueberry and Mushroom picking, and taking pride caring for her beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. Her grandchildren loved picking carrots and peas with Gramma washing them off with the hose for them to eat. You would always find Wanda in her bathing suit at their home on War Eagle Lake cutting grass and tending to their immaculate yard all summer long. This was Wanda’s Happy Place!
Many weekend Family gatherings along with close friends and neighbours at the lake were a highlight for Wanda and she would go above and beyond ensuring that everyone was well fed and having a great time. These memories will be cherished forever by her entire family.
Family would like to thank the staff at Lake of the Woods Hospital and Pinecrest for their care and compassion towards Wanda.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 11:00 am. Wanda’s ashes will be laid to rest alongside her son John. A Celebration of Wanda’s life, will be held, following her internment. Luncheon will be held at Grandview Villa, upstairs.
