Today, April 13th, 2025, I took my last breath with my husband Don, son Chad and daughter-in-law Bee by my side.
I was born on August 27th, 1948 in Red Deer Alberta to Fanny Lenetta (Clark) and Albert Lee Caskey (both deceased).
As an only child, art was always my companion. From an early age, I drew everything and anything that I saw. In elementary school, I was often scolded for not paying attention when I was caught drawing. There is an abstract painting that I did when I was 12 years old hanging in our home. As an adult, drawing and painting dominated my life and I drew and painted around the world.
I have been privileged and inspired to have lived across our beautiful, amazing, diverse Canada, filled with lifelong friends and family. I have participated in many group and solo shows. My first solo show was at New Brunswick Museum in Saint John. On opening the show, the art curator, Robert Percival, commented, “lots of people can paint but Wanda puts her emotions on the canvas”.
I have been awed by some extraordinary art in galleries in Canada, USA (New York), Hong Kong, Paris (The Louvre), England and Scotland. However, one of the finest galleries is in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
I have been represented in many galleries across Canada and was a working member of a co-op gallery, Studio Five, in Saint John, New Brunswick. I owned and operated my own gallery, Hard-to-Find Frames Ltd.
My mom introduced me to Don when we were both 17 years old and I could never thank her enough for that. As she had gotten older, she fell and broke her hip and I returned home to London, Ontario to look after her. She did not know that I was not well but if not for her, I would likely have died in or about 1995.
When our boys, Barry and Chad, were growing up, Don and I both decided that we needed to be involved in the sports that they were involved in; hockey, soccer, figure skating and others. I was president of QFSC for many years and Don was president of hockey and soccer associations. Our back yard was always home to a winter rink. We believed that it was necessary for be active for our boys.
I offer up a big thank you to the nurses and doctors at Abbotsford Hospice Society, Holmberg House, for their continued attempt to keep my pain to a minimum.
To my friends and family across Canada and around the world, thank you for all of your love and encouragement over the years. And thank you to my husband, Don, who literally and figuratively provided the wings on which we soared.
As the curtain has come down on my time here, know that I have not left. I am now resting in a different place.
Instead of flowers or a donation, please support a local artist. Your encouragement will mean a lot. Do not mourn my passing as I have lived a life worth living. Find joy in everyday life, love your family, cherish your friends and don’t let your praying knees get lazy.
Until we meet again … Wanda Fannie Hawse
May 26th, 2025
It has been 6 weeks since Wanda went to a better place. It seems like yesterday that we were delighting in the gallery of her home, beside her. We are so proud and honoured to have shared Wanda’s special friendship. All her friends and family treasure the big love and generosity that she shared with everyone. We miss her dearly and hope that Don and family will find peace, in time. She holds a special place, forever, in our hearts. Love, Lois & Phil
April 28th, 2025
To all of the people who have taken the time to post comments and to send cards and messages I very much appreciate it.
As many of you have said "Wanda was a very special lady" who had a profound effect on her many friends and family. She will never be forgotten as long as her beautiful and inspiring artwork survives.
April 21st, 2025
Our deepest love and condolences go out to you Don and family at the death of your beloved and precious life partner. She was amazing in all she has done and in how she faced her closing days with you. You are both so very special. The Lord bless and keep you as your face the future without Wanda. You have so many wonderful memories to treasure. We walk with you now into your new future.
With our love and prayers . . . Norm and Ruth.
April 20th, 2025
A week ago on Palm Sunday, our dear artist, friend and neighbor passed from this earth into the realm of Heaven…😇
As an artist, I can only imagine the the joy she is feeling by the beauty she is surrounded with and the pictures she is painting on her pallet now…
Our hearts go out to Don, Chad and Barry… Imagine the gallery that awaits you when you all meet again❣️
April 19th, 2025
To Barry & family...Jim and I are so sorry for the loss of your mother. We'll be praying for you and your family, that God will comfort you all at this difficult time~
April 19th, 2025
Don, So sorry for your loss. As you know I too am suffering the loss of my wife, confidant, and best friend. As I have learned very quickly there are no words others can offer at a time such as this. The impact of this will come in waves of grief, shock, abject loneliness, and disbelief that this has happened even though it was expected. My only advise is hold close the things you had in common, remember the good times which your beautiful Wanda was so adept in describing. I can only wish you the strength to see this through. May God have mercy on her soul and protect her till you meet again. Best wishes and my heart felt sympathy, Bruno
April 18th, 2025
So very saddened to hear of this loss for Don, Chad & Bee.
I was lucky enough to get to know Wanda through her son Chad. What an amazing lady. She was such an amazing woman and always the kindest and most gracious host whenever I visited her.
Our loss is heavens gain. She is very dearly missed. To Don, Chad & Bee, if there is anything you need, I am here for you all.
RIP Wanda ❤️
April 18th, 2025
Wanda was the most kind and welcoming person I have ever known. She quite literally changed my outlook on life and art from the moment I met her.
I am forever grateful for being privileged to know her.
Don, Chad and Bee my deepest condolences. I know how deep this hurt and sorrow is. Our hearts are with you.
April 18th, 2025
Sending heartfelt sympathy to you all, Don, Chad and Bee, you were the Loves of her Life! I'm always feeling Blessed to have been included in her unwavering Love and Friendship that continued even stronger, after the passing of my Mum and Dad. Heaven has gained a treasure and her spirit will live on.
April 18th, 2025
Deepest sympathy from one skating family to another so sorry to hear this you all take good care my friends Emery
April 18th, 2025
I am so so very sorry to hear that Wanda has left us here. I am really heartbroken. Wanda was such a deeply caring and incredibly welcoming human being … this was clear in our first meeting on that special day in St.Lawrence. We have stayed in touched by way of social media over these years …Every Christmas we looked forward to her beautiful newsletters~ her precious art on the card of which she wrote. We have them displayed with adoration… Wanda holds a special place in my heart, and that of my daughter’s heart too. Those who were privileged to have Wanda close to heart were , indeed, the most lucky ones. We send our heartfelt sympathies to Don~ knowing that he so blessed to have lived his life with his soul mate. Knowing he must feel such heartbreaking grief. I hope Don, that you can find moments of peace, where you can take a breath and know that Wanda remains in your heart through a lifetime of memories…but also in presence that you cannot see.
We send a warm hug to Wanda’s children and their families…and to all of those who loved her.
I will look at Wanda’s art, especially the piece with angel sharing their faith…in a very special way now.
Please say hello to my Momma in heaven Wanda…♥️
Thank you for being a friend to me over these years.
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