Wanda Marie Murdock

1926 - 2017

Wanda Marie Murdock

February 16, 1926 - August 25, 2017

Wanda Marie Murdock (Nepean) was born in Spokane, WA on February 16, 1926 and died peacefully at her home on August 25th, with family by her side. She lived an incredibly full 91 years as a daughter, sister, friend, wife, homemaker, mother, grandma (grams), and great-grandma. She was known for her constant smile and will be missed immeasurably.

Wanda grew up in Moscow, ID, the oldest child of Arthur (Jack) and Ellen Nepean. She dearly loved her younger brother, Don, and had a relationship with her cousin Eileen that was akin to a sisterhood; they remained close all their lives. While working at a soda fountain in high school, she met the love of her life, Kenneth (Kenny) Murdock. They exchanged love letters while Kenny was in the Navy and married on December 22, 1946. Married for over 70 years, Wanda and Kenny were an amazing couple - everyone who knew them always noticed their genuine smiles and loved their witty banter.

After marrying, Wanda and Kenny settled in Seattle where they raised four wonderful children - Linda, Susie, Bonnie, and David. While Kenny worked as a plumber, Wanda was a homemaker and occasionally helped at M&R Mechanical, Kenny's plumbing business. Once Kenny retired in 1980, they enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Wanda and Kenny doted on their six grandkids: Kristen, Jennifer, Katie, Zachary, Ryan, and Carly. During overnight stays, the grandkids would wait patiently while Grandma "put on her face" in her pink bathroom each morning. Every fall, she would meet each grandkid at Aurora Village for donuts before helping them pick out a special back-to-school outfit. As young girls, the grand-daughters loved trying on her wedding dress and wearing her shoes - her shoes fit perfect because her feet were so tiny! Her devotion to her grandkids was also evident in the scores of soccer games, basketball games, baseball games, track meets, and piano recitals she attended.

Wanda was an avid musician, seamstress and family photographer. She played the organ beautifully and had a huge collection of music. Any time the grandkids asked her to play Alley Cat (which never took much convincing), a dance party would surely ensue. A talented seamstress, Wanda sewed dresses (including bridesmaid dresses!), Christmas stockings and more. She also knit blankets, scarves, and sweaters for those dearest to her.

As the self-appointed family photographer, she diligently took countless pictures at family gatherings, and often times the dining room table would be covered in pictures she was organizing. On each photo, she was meticulous about documenting all the details, including names and dates, always getting duplicate copies so she could hand them out to family and friends.

While she never claimed to love cooking, she loved preparing holiday meals and took a great sense of pride in having her family together. Holidays included her famous cheesy potatoes on Easter, and sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Growing up, her family would enjoy a pre-planned weekly menu with fish and chips on Friday, halibut cheeks on Saturday, and pot roast on Sundays.

Wanda's favorite holiday was Christmas. She took pride in picking out special gifts for each member of her large family and she spent many hours in the basement wrapping them all. She also slowly and carefully opened each of her own gifts, relishing the attention bestowed upon her as she did, almost as much as we loved giving it to her. As a family, we were always told to "save the bows" for her to use the following year.

Wanda had a naturally welcoming nature; it didn't matter who you were, if you were brought to a family gathering, you were instantly thought of as family. A true social butterfly, she treasured having coffee with friends, hosting family gatherings, going to parties, and being around people. Wanda loved visitors; no matter how long your visit was, when you left she would ask "leaving already?" She took great care of her guests as well, always asking what they needed or what dish she could pass them; she wanted her guests to leave with a full belly and a full heart.

Wanda was also blessed with many great-grandchildren; at the time of her death, they ranged in age from two to 16 years.

Wanda lived a very full life and she was loved dearly throughout. She was proceeded in death by Kenny, just a few months earlier, on February 26, 2017. It gives our family great comfort knowing they are together again.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Wanda's name to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County at 2731 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 500, Everett, WA. http://washington.providence.org/donate/hospice-home-care-of-snohomish-county-foundation/