Wanda M. Welch

Wanda Marie Welch, 96, of the Town of Maine, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2024.
Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Welch; her parents, Katherine and Arthur Olson; her brother, Lawrence Olson; her daughter, Cheryle Welch; and her granddaughter, Darcy Crawford.
She is survived by her children, Chris (Janet) Welch, Cindy Churan, Cathy Carpenter, and Cassandra (Ray) Schaffer, and by her ten grandchildren, Sarah (Evan) Thorson, Edward (Muldair) Welch, Sydney (Craig) Harrington, Brean (Stephanie) Schaffer, Erin Schaffer, Shana (Kyle) Gow, Joseph (Sarah) Churan, Leland Churan, Madeline Dickson, and Zeke Carpenter. Wanda also leaves behind seven great-grandchildren: Cassidy Breh, Megan Thorson, Rilynn Smith, Olivia Harrington, Patrick Dickson, James Churan, and Lincoln Gow. Additionally, she is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Wanda lived a life full of adventure and joy. She was an avid bowler, golfer, roller blader, and dancer, a second-degree black belt in karate, and a devoted volunteer in many capacities, including as a nursery school teacher, cafeteria monitor, and hospital volunteer. She was also a talented artist and a skilled knitter. Wanda had a deep affection for her dog, Molly, and enjoyed hearing stories about her grand-bunny, Steve. Her grandchildren fondly remember her for the creative and colorful words and phrases that became her signature, such as: owly, mugwump, cooler than a moose, see you in the funnies, ickum-pookin, wash your paws, and hold your beak over.
Above all, Wanda was an extraordinary mother and grandmother whose love and warmth made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her legacy of love, laughter, and living life to the fullest will be cherished by her family for generations to come.
Her life will be celebrated by those who loved her at Allen Memorial Home on Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A service will follow at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Lea Harding.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Wanda may be made to the Broome County Humane Society or the Allentown Cemetery in Glen Aubrey, where she will be laid to rest.