Wanda Ursula (Serwatka) Warne

Wanda Ursula Warne (nee Serwatka) of Bragg Creek passed away on Friday, June 7, 2024 at the Foothills Hospital at the age of 71 years.  Wanda is survived by Doug, her husband of 53 years, and daughters Laryssa (David) and Audina (Trevor), as well as grandchildren Astrid, Samuel, Marlow, and Charles.  She was pre-deceased by her sister, Krystyne, and her father, Janek and mother, Antosha Serwatka.  She will be fondly remembered by several nieces, nephews, and many friends, too numerous to list.

Wanda was born on August 5, 1952, in Sindelfingen, Germany, and her family immigrated to Canada when she was about one year old.  She spent her youth in Savona, BC and her teenage years in New Westminster.  She attended Simon Fraser University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts.  She met her love, Doug Warne, at her sister’s wedding in ’70.  He was a last-minute replacement usher, and she was the beautiful Maid of Honour, but he managed to sneak in to sit beside her in the spot reserved for the Best Man!  They were married in ‘71, then moved to eastern Canada, ending up in Montreal.

They really enjoyed their time in Montreal, and Wanda finished her Bachelor of Arts at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C.  She did this through correspondence as there was no on-line learning in those days, imagine that!  Then they moved to Calgary in ‘76, where Wanda completed a Bachelor of Education and then went on to study Journalism at SAIT.  She had an intense love of books and reading, with stacks piled high in her bedroom.  She passed on her love of reading to her daughters, who also frequent the library and have their own piles of books!  In ’79, Wanda and Doug ended up in Bragg Creek, where they built a log house that became the talisman of how they identified themselves from then on, as Bragg Creekers in a log cabin by a pond. 

Bicycle camping adventures throughout Canada eventually gave way to children, Laryssa in ’83 and Audina in ’86. Wanda and Doug beamed with pride as the children blossomed into adulthood, Laryssa becoming a musician and Audina a teacher, both noble, rewarding professions. Trevor joined the band as Audina’s husband, David as Laryssa’s husband, and four grandchildren soon followed.

Wanda relished her time with the grandchildren: Astrid, Samuel, Marlow, and Charles.  Wanda would look forward to babysitting and especially regular Sunday Dinners.  These meant a summer tradition of jumping on the trampoline and rowing on the pond, and in winter looking at the stars and skating.  The evenings would be rounded off with a wonderful meal and endlessly repetitive games with the grandchildren. Surely, she is still watching them from above with a wide, playful smile.

The Monday get-togethers with friends, Tuesday swims, the Bragg Creek dinner group, the Christmas Tree Expeditions, and trips to Las Vegas with friends that became known as the Las Vegas Gang are times where she enjoyed meeting others.  She was supportive and generous with her time for those in need.  She moved to Vancouver for a month to help her sister Krystyna who was dying from cancer.  Wanda spent hours every day at her bedside comforting Krystyna and her daughters.  An invitation to the Bragg Creek house was a guarantee of good food, wine, and thoughtful conversation.  One of her greatest legacies is her Cabbage Rolls recipe, which is treasured by all who have a copy!

Wanda’s life was that of a caring mother, grandmother, wife, and friend to many.  Let’s be joyful in all the things we have to remember her for, such as her profound kindness and love.

Though we can no longer walk with her, her presence is still felt

Though we can no longer hug her, she surrounds us with her love

Though we can no longer ask for her guidance, she whispers words of support in our minds

Though we can no longer sense her warm touch, she warms our hearts

Though we can no longer feel her friendship, she rests upon our souls

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