Wanda would always come to see me at the salon to have her hair cut and set.  She was always happy, energized and so wonderful to be with.  She always asked what was going on in my life and always talked so highly of her family.  She was appreciative of how I fixed her hair.  Wanda was such a wonderful woman, so positive to be around. 

I saw Wanda during her last week of life.  She quietly greeted me with open arms and was grateful I had come.  ~ Kelly Peterson

When I think of Wanda I remember a very gracious woman. Her countenance exuded grace. Her gentle smile and kind nature spoke volumes about her loving character. She was a wonderful role model for her children and grandchildren. Always loving, caring, and eager to share an encouraging word. She will be greatly missed as she was loved...

A big hug to this wonderful family,

JoLinn Kampstra

A Tribute by Donna Selby

Today marks the 1st anniversary of "Mother's Day" without mom.  As I look back, I honor her due to her many sacrifices, known and unknown.  

Mom suffered great pain to bring her four children into the world.  She took other children under her wing and some who were less fortunate.  In her steadfast devotion, she continued throughout the coarse of her life to build a strong foundation under our feet. Sometimes I did not understand my mother but as I grew in wisdom and love, I came to see her in a new light.   

I miss our times together going to exercise, visiting family and friends, cooking jam, making apple pie or drying fruit to hand out to the homeless community.  I miss holding her hand and the sweet conversations we had at night when she stayed at my house.  I feel emptiness and fullness embodied through her grace.  Though she is gone in body she will forever be held in my heart.  

Perhaps the best way to honor my mother on Mother's Day is through a poem I wrote April of 1999 and revised in April 2015.  

Mother’s love is the heartbeat of God from whence all life flows. Mother never stops giving and even when she rests the silent beat of life flows through her. 

A mother’s love is the voice of strength and compassion as she listens with open mind and heart to her children.  She is the bosom upon which we rest our head; whose arms hold us; whose hands gently wipe away our tears; and whose feet are firmly planted when all else fails.

A mother’s love continues on even though she is misunderstood and rejected.  Her deep wisdom knows when it’s time to step back and allow her children to find their own way in the rhythm of time and space.  Growth is inevitable.  Mother’s naturally know this while they wait with quiet resolve to witness the fruit of their labors. 

A mother’s love may seem strange to sleeping souls who see not her wisdom.  Who else would use gauze pads to cover the smallest of wounds to soften the pain?  Mother!  Who else in her wisdom knows when to remain silent?  Mother!  Who else knows your secrets and loves you just the same?  Mother!  Who else would call you angel when you least feel like one?  Mother!

Who is this mother… the mysterious ether which drives us all and whose efforts are continuously felt?  Mother is none other than patience, the one who watches over us with tenderness and love.  She looks patiently with two eyes directed in one vision fully knowing her children are separate in their own identity, awareness, abilities, and soul purpose.

Whether you are a child of 1 or 99, think back to the times you were held … truly held.  Mother Teresa once said: There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.  I think so.  There is no better time than now to reach out to rekindle Mother’s love.  This love must begin within ourselves and flow outward like soft ripples on a still pond toward our family, community, world, and universe.

A mother’s love is you, me, and Thee.  Do you see?  A mother’s love is within, connects us to our senses; to our inner nature, perfect, complete and whole.  Her love radiates through us, her children, as seen in the silence of nature, a beautiful sunset, a breath of fresh air, a melody, laughter, movement, dance or touch.

A mother’s love continues to teach us, her children, even in her absence for she need not be in physical form to be felt.  Listen with new ears and you will hear her voice speak to your heart.  Look with new eyes and you will see her everywhere.

To recognize mother is to stand on the mountain top and feel the magnitude of it all or walk into the valley of the shadow of death and know life is in perfect balance.  Mother and transitions are natural phenomena as necessary as sharps and flats, white and black, one and two, day and night, life and death.

A mother’s love is what helps her children return home to the heartbeat of life, love, compassion, humility, and surrender; the home or womb from whence we emerge in body form and return HOME in subtle form.  A Mother’s love IS.

David Reinwald, Stepson of Wanda Reinwald

When my dad (Lloyd) and Wanda came together they combined two families, the Herigstad’s and the Reinwald’s.  I was pleased with the way we all got together for the family gatherings at Thanksgiving, Christmas and all other important occasions. 

When dad knew he was going to pass, he asked me to take care of his “Sweetie Pie” (Wanda).  Consequently, Wanda and I drew even closer. Our weekly meetings were equally satisfying.  She always welcomed me with a smile and was appreciative that I took the time to come.  What was most important to Wanda was her connection to “family”.   

She had a quiet demeanor and a special energy which exemplified grace.  I always felt loved and respected when in her presence.  Even though she has passed I will always feel her close to my heart. 

 

Dick Simpson, Salem, Oregon

Many years ago, I was the director of YMCA Camp Silver Creek.  At Camp, I met Danny and Dennis Earhart who Wanda had brought into her home as foster children.   Wanda’s cup was never so full that she was unable to take on just one more commitment.  As I look back, Gene, Donna and Diane were just beginning North Salem High School.  Gene was also involved in a Hi-Y Club. 

Eventually, Wanda became Program Director at Salem Rehabilitation Facility (SRF) at Oregon State Hospital.  When people in the program needed help, she was a supportive counselor and resource.  During that time, I recruited and collaborated with Wanda to be a part of a program I had started called Parents Anonymous, whose main function was to help other parents with their troubled teenagers.  The emphasis of the program was to help parents steer their children into positive ways of responding to difficulties faced by adolescents.  Wanda and her co-worker were on call 24 hours a day to connect with other parents who were faced with urgent situations. 

Wanda seemed to have a magic source of energy where she provided for her family and she also became further energized when she gave service to others.  Wanda made ample time for her own children, which included Danny and Dennis − and any other people who visited their home.  Now these children continue to radiate strong guidance and unselfish, caring principles which they received from their mother.

Seldom, if ever, was Wanda inclined to take time for herself.  Not until the “Reinwald Years” was she, at last, able to be a pampered homemaker, appreciated and cherished wife, and happily involved with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren – a rich blessing for all of us!

This is how Wanda’s legacy will live on.  

Sympathy and prayers to the family,

Dick Simpson
Salem, Oregon

Donny Selby, Grandson of Wanda Reinwald

Some of my favorite memories of Grandma Wanda and Grandpa Lloyd are the Thanksgiving gatherings at 5th street house.  I had so much fun meeting up with my cousins and playing games in the basement or watching Nickelodeon on cable or playing outside in Grandma and Grandpa’s beautiful flower gardens.  I always looked forward to eating the traditional Norwegian Lefse spread with butter, sugar and cinnamon.  I felt the comfort, stability and excitement of being in my grandparents’ home.  I never wanted to leave at the end of the celebration.     

Grandma was always so friendly and there was never a time that she wasn’t smiling at me.  She was my grandma and knew she loved and cared about me.  That was all that mattered.  It was the same way with my children.  Grandma held such a powerful presence that even in silence no words needed to be said to feel our heart connection.   

Dolkar Tsering, Family Friend

I thank Wanda for giving me the best and most encouraging advice on how to raise twins and sharing her experiences as a mother of twins.  When things get too hectic, I will always think of her and the wisdom she shared with me:   Enjoy every moment while you can; time will go by fast and your children will grow up in no time ...just enjoy it!  I will always be grateful for her wisdom. 

Caring, kind reassurance and calm acceptance describe my early memories of Wanda. 

Wanda was always available when a calm, reassuring smile or time or support or sitting around the dining room table with a listening ear was needed. Although in those early years, inexperience allowed for our lack of understanding of her life situation, she was not hindered from supporting us in whatever crisis situation that arose.

*  She sat at the hospital through long labor and deliveries for both of our children. (her grandchildren) (which was right across the street from where she spent many long nights in back injury recovery)

*  Without warning (very late one evening) and with little preparation time, she put her life on hold to stay in our home for a few days to care for our two small (pre-school) boys when we received word that my brother was in the hospital in Bend and not expected to live.

*  Then, almost 20 years later (15 years after our divorce) she arrived in the early hours of the morning at the hospital to support me when our son Zac (her grandson) died. Her steadfast support and acceptance were again obvious.

She was always available with her reassuring knowing and calm acceptance of what life handed her and those of us around her. I am so grateful her acceptance continued so that I was able to reciprocate in my support for her. She was a kind soul whose legacy will not soon be forgotten. 

Liz Landis, Gary & Diane Fountain’s cousin. 

I was privileged to be there for Diane’s mom during the final days of her life.  I arrived at Donna’s the evening she came home from the hospital, and was there with her the morning she passed away.  Mom...as I called her.....was very loving and kind to me.  

I didn’t know Mom until I went to Salem to help Diane and Donna with their mom’s 80th birthday party.  I remember noticing how vibrant she was that day.   After that, I was with the family on many different occasions, including the last time in August at Thom and Rebecca’s wedding.  

During those final days Mom had a wonderful sense of humor and on numerous occasions made all of us laugh at things she said.  I think there is one thing that really stood out to me as the various family members and friends came to visit Mom.  There were a number of family members who had been divorced, and their ex-spouses came to visit...which to me showed a great deal of love and compassion and said a lot about Mom and the love she had shown towards them; and they had come to honor her.

Ray White, A Longtime Friend & Associate 

One recent memory I have of Wanda is when I called her and asked if she wanted to go out for an ice cream cone.  She did, and off we went to Dairy Queen.  Afterwards when we got back to her home, I asked her if she liked ‘old time radio’.  She said she did but had not heard it for a long time.  So I got out my phone and turned on a Jack Benny program which came over my car speaker.  We sat in the parking lot and listened to the first thirty minute program.  We enjoyed it so much that we listened to another thirty minute program where Jack was going to buy Mary a birthday gift.

Jack asked a sales woman if she had perfume which would be appropriate for a birthday gift.  She placed a bottle on the counter which was $16 an ounce.  Jack coughed a few times and the sales lady asked him if that was a little high.  Jack told her he didn’t want to go cheap but he didn’t want to go too high either.  She placed another bottle on the counter which was $12 per ounce, then $8 per ounce.   Jack asked her if she had something less expensive.  She said: I think I have just what you are looking for and before she could place the item on the counter, Jack asked how much it was.   She replied: 68 cents a gallon.  At that point, Wanda and I just exploded into laughter.  It was a fun moment for Wanda and I to go back in time. 

I was so blessed to spend several hours with Grandma when I got to say goodbye.  I asked her if she had to do it all over again, would she change anything?  She thought for a moment and said no.  I then asked her if she could do more of anything what would it be? 

She said one of her favorite memories was when I was a kid many of her grandchildren got together and we all went to the beach.  It was one of those blustery days with wind and drizzle.  We all got to run around flying our little kites, but Grandma's was a big, colorful, beautiful, fabric kite that just soared higher and higher. 

So next time you go to the beach, hit one of the little kite shops and let all the string out so it can soar.  Grandma will be watching and loving what she sees! 

We went to Newport Bay with Grandma Wanda and Grandpa Lloyd and the first thing they each ordered was a big beer!  When I asked if that was ok, Grandma said: "of course it is, we're not driving!"

Then they each ordered a big lunch and dessert one for now and one to take home with them.  They really knew how to live it up! 

One of the things I loved most about Grandma was how positive she was. She liked to say: "You can find a silver lining in everything!"

Debra and I went down to visit Grandma Wanda and take her to lunch on a rare sunny spring day.  Debra had a fun convertible called "The Batmobile" and Grandma kept telling Debra to go faster so she could feel the wind in her hair!  It's that adventurous (rebel) spirit we always found so fun when we got to spend time with Grandma.   

Your love of big storms whether crashing waves at the beach or lightning storms over Lake Michigan.

Your political commentary - from Maureen Dowd's column in the NY Times to your declaration that you wouldn't die until Hillary Clinton becomes President - to words that can't be said in church about George Bush!

Our sister's book club when we would read an agreed upon book at the same time and then discussed it.

The time we got to see a collection of over 300 original Norman Rockwell paintings during your visit to Washington DC and your love of Chicago's Art Institute.

The time we got so tipsy after you insisted on ordering full pints of beer at the neighborhood pub next door to our B&B in Edinburgh, Scotland that you fell out of bed and we got the giggles so badly we couldn't climb back onto that deep mattress.

That boat trip to Loch Lomond and your request that I return to Scotland with a few of your ashes one day. How we agreed I would have a bagpiper play Amazing Grace, Scotland the Brave and you added Yankee Doodle Dandy in respect of our immigrant ancestor's service during the American Revolution.

How you wouldn't sleep on our flight to London because we were in first class and you didn't want to miss anything. I never figured out what you thought you would miss but that was so you - always up for something new.

Walks through Hyde Park and having tea with the Chairman of Lloyd's of London.

Marveling at the documented knowledge that our Scottish immigrant ancestor is an American Patriot and fought in many battles of the Revolutionary War. You said "no wonder we are how we are."

Your recollections of life in Missouri that were brought on when you spotted cardinals in my back yard and fireflies in the evening. You and our brother, Lloyd, used to capture fireflies in a jar for light at night and Dad used to build bird houses for the cardinals and other birds.

Your recollections of the dust bowl and the depression and how mom made your 8th grade graduation dress at night by lantern light. And, that special time when you saw an angel sitting in the window at Grandmother Simpson's house.

How you loved to fly kites and how much trouble we were in while at our secret retreat at the beach. We forgot the time - saw the tide coming in - then couldn't remember which set of stairs would take us back to our house. How we got the giggles and had to sit on a log to catch our breath and then had to contend with a very angry Lloyd who said "Where have your girls been and never do that again." We buried our faces in pillows so he wouldn't hear us laughing.

The sisterly secrets we shared that remain between us but I hope you tell Dad he has some explaining to do!

The stories of our immediate family - Like how you got to wear overalls when little girls only wore dresses so you could go fishing with Dad and what it was like to leave the Midwest for Oregon with only a few possessions - how mesmerized you were the first time you saw the ocean and countless other stories that will not be told the same way ever again!

Thank you for all that, for always having a sister connection with me in spite of the difference in our ages, for not counting me as one of your kids, for your insights and guidance, and for always being so very proud of me. I will never have that again and I will treasure it - always.

Love,

Dixie