Wanda Merle Wride Nielson Wanda Nielson, age 96, passed away on September 18, 2019. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend to many. Wanda was born in Payson, Utah. She was the oldest child of Francis “Frank” and Wilma Wride and the oldest sister of Afton Sheffield, Neldon Wride, Elaine Wilson, Lynn Wride and Margene Snow. She grew up in Utah, moving with her family to several different cities/homes. She adored her parents and five siblings. Being the oldest of six children and often tasked with babysitting or supervising their work on the farm, her siblings report that she could sometimes be a bit bossy! She dearly loved her brothers and sisters, though, and they were close throughout her lifetime. Even into their 80’s, she traveled together with her siblings and their spouses to Branson, Missouri and on an Alaskan cruise. Upon graduation from Spanish Fork High School, her parents insisted she further her education (mostly because she hadn’t found a husband yet!). She had many happy memories of moving to and living in the “the big city” (Salt Lake City) and attending Henagar Business College for two years, before marrying her longtime sweetheart, Norman Nielson, when he returned from WWII. Wanda and Norm lived in Utah, Montana, then finally settled in the Lynnwood/Edmonds, Washington area. By this time they’d completed their family with three precious children: Sandie, Rick and Carol. Wanda worked as a secretary at the Edmonds School District administration building for many years. She loved her work, but she would always say her real and most important work was being a wife and mother. She devoted her life to her family. After a serious accident that left Norm in a wheelchair, she selflessly cared for him. Her love and dedication to him was a testament to her big heart and tireless ability to serve, embrace and honor those in need. She adored her children and was ALWAYS a “mother hen”. Any chance she had, she would brag about them. Even while working, Wanda managed to attend their school activities and after school events. She was known to be up late at night helping them with homework or typing up a report. She always had a listening ear and wisdom to share (sometimes needed and sometimes NOT!). She was their #1 fan and cheerleader. Once her children left home and Wanda was widowed, she filled her days with family, friends and activities. She was always cooking a meal for someone who was ill or visiting someone in need. She was on a bowling team for many years, was an avid reader and book club member, and attended many “ladies’ lunches” with her friends. Her most important pastime through the years, though, was spending time with her ten grandchildren! She couldn’t get enough time with them! She often had them for sleepovers, would take them for ferry rides, to the swimming pool or bowling, just to name a few of their favorites. But ALWAYS the day involved stopping somewhere for fast food! Wanda loved fast food and would eat out as often as she could. On the subject of food, Wanda loved lemon meringue pie just about as much as her grandchildren! Wanda was a dedicated member of the LDS church and served in many positions over the years. She was always helping others in any way she could and received incredible satisfaction in providing service to others. She was called as a senior missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission for 18 months at the age of 70! As she aged, she needed more help from others. Her church members were always there to help her with anything she could possibly need. She felt it was much easier to give help than to receive it, but was deeply appreciative of all those that helped her. Wanda is preceded in death by her loving husband, Norman Nielson, after 42 years of marriage and her sweet daughter, Sandra Smith. Wanda is survived by her son, Rick (Rita) Nielson and daughter, Carol (Berke) Horrocks, son-in-law Jeff Smith and ten grandchildren: Jeremy (Raquel) Smith, Paul Smith, David (Heather) Nielson, Mark Nielson, Brad (Jamie) Horrocks, Nate (Dani) Horrocks, Jordan (Alina) Horrocks, Megan (Kris) Wright, Dave (Marie) Foules and Ashleigh Wolf. She is also survived by many great and great-great grandchildren. She’s had a profound impact on her children and grandchildren. Her strong faith, loving and gentle spirit and her high moral standards were an example to them and all who knew her. Services will be held Saturday, September 28th, at the Mountlake Terrace LDS chapel, 22015 48th Ave W, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043. Viewing will be at 10:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM. Wanda loved flowers, but memorials may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: JDRF Northwest Chapter, 1215 4th Ave #1100, Seattle, WA 98161, 206-838-5183 You may share your thoughts and memories of Wanda on the Tribute Wall on this page.