Wanda L. Jenkins

Wanda Lee Jenkins, 81, of Bedford, New Hampshire, passed away on September 30, 2025, at Parkland Medical Center in Derry, New Hampshire.

Born in 1944 in Mars Hill, Maine, Wanda devoted her life to her family and public service. She first met the love of her life, James (Jim) Jenkins, in elementary school, and later, they began dating in high school. Wanda graduated from Fort Fairfield high school, Fort Fairfield, Maine, in 1962, and married Jim in 1964. Jim and Wanda moved to Nashua, NH in 1966 where they would spend the next twenty years raising their three children. For many years, Wanda was employed by the Nashua School Department central office. After her children were grown, she and Jim moved to Bedford, NH, and while there, she served as the Town Clerk of Bedford, held the office of Justice of the Peace, and was an active member of the Bedford Garden Club. She had strong faith, and was a longtime parishioner of St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Bedford and she generously gave her time in support of parish activities. Over the years, Wanda and Jim often traveled to Maine visiting with friends and family, including her sister-in-law, Joyce Dow, and brother-in-law, Donald Dow, with whom she was particularly close. Wanda also was devoted to her sister, Marilyn Cowan, and spent several years living in Tennessee to be near her and her husband, William Cowan.

Wanda was known for making a friend where ever she went and her generous and fun spirit with friends and strangers, alike. She was a wonderful baker, and her family always enjoyed her homemade apple pies. Wanda loved flowers, particularly daffodils, and would tend to her flower gardens on a daily basis.

Wanda was pre-deceased by her sister Marilyn Cowan on August 26, 2025. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Jim Jenkins, their three children, Christopher, Corinna, and Daniel, and five grandchildren. She also was a loving aunt and great aunt to several nieces and nephews and enjoyed several close friendships.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Toys for Tots or to breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

Assisting with arrangements is Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium. To view Wanda's online tribute, send condolences to her family, or for more information, visit https://phaneuf.net