Wanda Marie Stralka

Wanda Marie Stralka, 91, a longtime resident of Oxon Hill, Md., passed away peacefully in Catonsville, Md., Sunday, April 10, 2022.

Born in Wanamie, to Frank and Lucy Sharkowicz, Wanda graduated from Newport Twp. High School.

She received her nursing training at Kings County Hospital, Brooklyn, N.Y., and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from George Mason University. She practiced labor and delivery nursing at Cafritz Memorial Greater Southeast Hospital, Washington, D.C., for many years.

In addition to her professional career, Wanda raised five children and was active in many civic and religious organizations. Most notably, Wanda was a long-term participant in the longitudinal Nurses' Health Study, which continues to provide a scientific basis for the study of risk factors for chronic disease in women.

Wanda is survived by three of her children, Stephen (Robin), Anchorage, Alaska; M. Christine, Oakton, Va.; and John (Joan), Ellicott City, Md. She will be greatly missed by her beloved grandchildren, Jonathan (Bridget), Jason, Matthew, Michael and Victoria; and her great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Isabelle and Theodore. She is also survived by four nephews.

Wanda was predeceased by her high school sweetheart and husband of 64 years, Raymond Stralka; her eldest daughter, Kathleen; her son, Daniel; her parents; and her younger brothers, John and Frank Sharkowicz.

A blessing service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in St. Adalbert's Cemetery. A Mass will be held at 7 p.m. in St. Adalbert's Church, 31 S. Market St., Glen Lyon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wanda Stralka Endowed Nursing Scholarship at George Mason University Foundation, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, https://chhs.gmu.edu/give; or your local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.