Wanda Louise Pearson

November 27, 1927 – April 1, 2016 Family will gather to remember the life of Wanda Pearson née Bontrager, who passed away in Santa Cruz, CA following lengthy illness. She was 88 years old. Born the sixth of seven sisters in Cement, Oklahoma, at her passing she was the last sister surviving. She came West with her family in 1939, and eventually settled in Visalia, CA. Wanda was valedictorian of the Visalia Union High School class of 1945. After high school she studied nursing in Riverside and Los Angeles, before her marriage. Later, she attended Loma Linda University, and earned her bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. She was a dental hygienist for more than 30 years, the majority of her career serving with Indian Health Services in locations throughout the Inland Empire. She was a longtime member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Loma Linda, including a stint as Vice-President of the Loma Linda chapter of the Philosda club. Her family will always remember her beautiful, welcoming home in Loma Linda, her sporty taste in cars, and her impeccable blonde coiffure. Stylishness notwithstanding, as a person she was kind, patient, and forebearing, accepting her family as they were with warmth and unconditional love. She is survived by her children, Stephen Pearson of Felton, CA; Bob Pearson of Round Rock, TX; Janice Pearson of Watsonville, CA; and Kathy Erickson of Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia. She also leaves her grandchildren: Heather Fairley née Erickson of Langley, British Columbia; Richard Pearson of Lakeland, FL; Heidi Murray née Erickson of Victoria, British Columbia; Chloe Woida of Monterey, CA; John Pearson of Austin, TX; and Dustin Woida of Watsonville, CA. A viewing will be held on Wednesday April 6, 2016 at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz from 4 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be at the chapel in the afternoon on Thursday, April 7, 2016. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved sister Patricia "Pat" Bontrager, in a private ceremony at Visalia District Cemetery.