Wanda V. Murphy Fickeria

Wanda V. Murphy Fickeria died February 12, 2011 at her home with her family by her side. She died of natural causes after years of heart disease. Wanda was born October 2, 1923, to Julia Kisielewski and John Zaczkiewicz, in Providence, R.I. Wanda was the fifth child and was greeted by her siblings, John, Theodore, and Chester. A sister, Anastasia, preceded her in death. The family later welcomed sisters, Sophia, Lillian and Mildred. Wanda married Robert J. Murphy in Providence, R.I. in 1942. They had two sons, Robert R. Murphy and Dennis L. Murphy. Robert Sr. preceded Wanda in death in 1945. Wanda married James P. Shea in Long Beach, Calif. in 1951. They had one daughter, Valerie J. Shea. They divorced in 1953. Wanda married Joseph Fickeria in Las Vegas, Nev. in 1955. They were married 47 years. Joe preceded Wanda in death in 2003. They resided in Buena Park, CA from 1955-'72 and then moved to Cathedral City, Calif. Wanda was one of the first women to become part of the Freeway League 600 WIBC Bowling Club in Orange County, Calif. A champion bowler, she and Joe bowled in numerous leagues in the 1950-60's. Wanda was also an accomplished artist. She was the second President of the Buena Park Art Guild. She attended Cypress College, Cypress, Calif. and later graduated with an A.A. in art from College of the Desert. Wanda won numerous awards for her hand-built pottery, collages and fine art pieces. Family came first in Wanda's life. Wanda and Joseph's Buena Park home was the nucleus of the family, hosting all the family events which continued when they moved to the desert. During school breaks, their grandchildren would vacation with them at their home in Cathedral City. Wanda is survived by her son, Robert Murphy and wife, Anni, Albuquerque, N.M.; daughter, Valerie Jean Winters, Cathedral City; and survived by daughter-in-laws, Rita Murphy, Bluford, Ill.; and Marcia Murphy Tucker, Las Vegas. She was preceded in death by her son, Dennis Lee Murphy, Bluford, Ill. and daughter-in-law, Marcia Murphy Ishii, Brea, Calif. Wanda is survived by her sisters, Sophia Boosalis, Long Beach, Calif.; Lillian Thorp, W. Warwick, RI and their husbands John Carroll and John Thorp, and her sister, Mildred Jennings, R.I. She was preceded in death by her brothers, John Zalkus, Theodore and Chester Zaczkiewicz, also a sister, Anastasia Zaczkiewicz. She had twelve grandchildren: Dennis Murphy and wife, Linda, Indianapolis, Ind.; Patrick Murphy and wife, Kate, Duxbury, Mass.; Shannon Murphy Dominguez, Portland, Ore.; Jodi Ferrell Paulk, Garden Grove, Calif.; Julienne Winters Cunningham and husband, Glen, Cathedral City, Calif.; Ryan Murphy and wife, Mandy, San Diego, Calif.; Carrie Campanelli, Steamboat Springs, Colo.; and Paul Murphy and wife, Dawn, Ashley, Ill. She had sixteen great-grandchildren: Amanda and Joseph Murphy, Indianapolis, Ind.; Bridget, Quinlan, Erin and Maive Murphy, Duxbury; Heather Murphy Hernandez, Las Vegas; Lauren Murphy Dominguez, Portland; Shawn Ferrell, Brea, Calif.; Shayne Paulk, Bonaire, Ga.; Cameron Murphy, San Diego, Calif.; Nicholas Campanelli, Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Jennifer, Jeffrey, Katie and Heidi Carroll, Ashley, Ill.; and one great-great grandchild Adriana Murphy Hernandez, Las Vegas. Wanda will be laid to rest, Friday, March 18, 2011 at 1:00 PM next to her husband, Joseph at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Visitor Nurses Association (VNA) at 42600 Cook Street, Ste. 210, Palm Desert, CA 92211 or to, Riverside National Cemetery, in care of the "Color Guard".