Wanda Rose Southernwood (née Mickler)

It is with sadness in our hearts that we announce the death of our beloved mother, Wanda Rose Southernwood, who passed away on Saturday, May 21st, 2016 at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw at the age of 80 years.  The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday May 28th, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. in Zion United Church, 423 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK with Reverend Tim Ellis officiating.  Mom was born on July 14th, 1935 and was raised on the farm in Lake Alma, SK.  She was predeceased by the love of her life, Ron Southernwood on January 3rd, 2007; grandparents, Christ and Eva Mickler (“Ma & Pa”); uncles: Joseph, Nicholas, Johnnie, Robert, Dominick, Tom, Frank and Peter; aunts: Frances, Rose (Mother) and Florence; brother, Steve; and special cousin, Hillary Dembiczak.  Wanda is survived by her children: Neil Schmidt (Eileen) Alison, Jocelyn (great-granddaughter, Aalyah), Tim Southernwood (Mila, Katia, Nicole, Loren), Rod Southernwood, Tracy Koshman (Nicholas (Ashley) (great-grandson Nicholas II), Sara (great-granddaughter Annika), Laurie Southernwood-Gaudreault (Marc (Nicole), Denis (Eileen), Johnathon (Jade), Alex (Kennedy) and James Southernwood (Carrie, Braydon).  She is also survived by her brother, David Mickler and family, sisters: Barb Gulka and family and Louann Malick; sisters-in-law, Marge and Les Hughes and family, Iris Eggen and family, and a very special sister-in-law/aunt, Hennie Mickler and family; special niece, Joanne (Neil) Davis and cousin, Berle Southernwood (Lee and Carol) of Estevan; cousins, Lorraine White (Russ) and family, Helen Novacek and family, and Carol (Bob) Thomas.  Wanda also leaves to mourn, many nieces and nephews, as well as special cousins and extended relatives in England who became very dear to her.  We would also like to mention some of Mom’s special friends: Connie and Karen – who helped us SO much in the last days of Mom’s life – going above and beyond what many deem as friendship.  We will be forever grateful.  Special friend of 52 years, Edna Burns; friends: Fay, Linda, Yoggi and Stacey, the Easy Does It Group, and so many more who have touched our Mom’s life.  Mom married Dad on April 12th, 1957 and moved the family to Moose Jaw in 1959.  They joined Trinity United Church in 1960 where Mom served many different roles, with her most recent position being Secretary for the Church Board and ongoing involvement with UCW.  On August 6th, 1964, Mom went to her first Easy Does It (Al-Anon) meeting and had always said this was the beginning of a whole new life for them.  Mom rarely missed a meeting at Al-Anon for over 51 years and truly epitomized the meaning of service.  From her interest in Al-Anon grew a desire to volunteer for Social Services, however she ended up with a job and a career that spanned almost 25 years.  Mom may have retired but never stopped working – she acted as Director at Angus Campbell Center for over a year and volunteered her time to various boards including the Moose Jaw Housing Board for 5 years, Wakamow NDP Executive for 13 years and Treasurer for 8 of those years.  Mom loved to play Duplicate Bridge and would share that love with anyone who was interested in learning.  She was thrilled to see her name published but would always claim it was her partner or, just a fluke.  She loved to read, garden, bake and listen to the news, especially politics.  She was known as the Queen of Tarts but was happy to share her secrets and was known to give lessons in her kitchen.  Mom, you were the glue that held the family together – the Rock that supported us all.  We don’t know what we will do without you but know that Dad was waiting for you with open arms.  As Mom gave to so many good causes, donations in her memory to a charity of one’s choice are gratefully appreciated.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550