Mrs. Wanda Irene Fennell

Wanda Irene Fennell age 85 of Sturgis, Michigan, passed peacefully into the arms of Our Lord, surrounded by her loving family, early Saturday afternoon, January 21, 2017 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She endured a lengthy illness, throughout which her grace, faith, and courage never wavered. Wanda, the oldest of twin daughters, was born October 4, 1931, in a farmhouse in Burr Oak Township, MI to Luella Marie (McCale) and Albert Henry Teadt. She and her twin sister, Wilma, were the youngest of the family's four children. Wanda attended school in a one-room country school until the age of 7, at that time the family moved from the farm to Sturgis, where she was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1949. Wanda married Paul Emory Fennell on December 10, 1955 at the First Baptist Church in Sturgis. Before their children were born, Wanda enjoyed working in the mail room at Kirsch Company. After starting a family, she became a full-time homemaker, raising their children and being involved in both their education and extracurricular activities. As their children matured, Wanda accepted a position as a school bus driver with Sturgis Public Schools, a job she held for many years. An active member of the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis, Wanda loved singing with the church choir. She also belonged to the Ladies Circle group, through which she volunteered many hours assisting with rummage sales, wedding receptions, and numerous other church events. Wanda was active in golf and bowling leagues, playing dominos and cherished visiting with friends over a cup of coffee. She enjoyed vacationing and camping at various points of interest around the country with Paul and their family. Wanda was devoted to her family and always put her family first. In later years she loved traveling with Paul in their motor home to visit their children and grandchildren in Colorado and Texas. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Wava Louise Spaulding and Wilma Minnie Stacey and her brother, Wayne Edward Teadt. She is survived by her husband, Paul; daughter, Diane (David) Tokarz of the Villages, Florida; sons, Douglas (Lee Ann) Fennell of Longmont, Colorado, Thomas Fennell of Mendon and Timothy Fennell of Austin, Texas; six granddaughters, one great granddaughter and loving nieces, nephews, and other family members. Wanda's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to all of her dedicated caregivers at the Thurston Woods Village and Hospice of Sturgis. In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. A memorial service celebrating the life of Wanda Irene Fennell will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Jeanne Koughn and Pastor Robert Keim will officiate. Private burial of the ashes will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Fennell's memory consider, Thurston Woods Village, 307 N. Franks Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091 or the First United Methodist Church 2100 Pleasant Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091. The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.