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Wanda L.
Richardson
Dec 11, 1942 — Jun 20, 2025
Wanda Lee (Flynn) Smith Richardson, 82, of York, and formerly of Windsor, PA, passed into God's eternal care on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Amoroso Wellness at York.
Born in Gettysburg, PA, on December 11, 1942, Wanda was a daughter of the late Virgil Carl and Bertha Mildred (Rinker) Flynn. She was the beloved wife of Laverne "Larry" S. Richardson, with whom she shared 19 wonderful years of marriage before his passing on February 23, 2009.
A graduate of Littlestown High School, Class of 1960, Wanda later pursued further education at York Technical Institute, earning her Associate of Arts degree with distinguished honors for both academics and attendance. Her lifelong love of learning and reading reflected her firm belief that knowledge was one of life's greatest treasures. She was an avid Jeopardy watcher, and she enjoyed using her knowledge, always delighted when she knew final jeopardy.
Many people don't know, but in her teen years, Wanda was becoming blind. In 1967 at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, MD, Dr. A. Edward Maumenee, MD an international leader in the cure for blindness, performed a new procedure which had previously only been performed on cadavers, phacoemulsification. He removed her damaged and useless eye lenses. Her very thick prescription glasses enabled her to see clearly. It changed her life forever.
Wanda was a vibrant and spirited woman. A true fashionista, she was always impeccably dressed, coordinating every outfit with matching shoes, handbags, and jewelry. Her flair for style was matched only by her zest for life. She loved dancing, especially to rock and roll, and cherished nights out with her girlfriends.
Wanda's adventurous spirit and creativity extended well beyond the dance floor. Alongside her beloved Larry, she delighted in attending Rod Runs in their T-Bucket and throwing candy to the kids during the rod parades, camping with family, and visiting her brother Melvin and his wife Marlene. At home, she found peace and passion in her crafts. A Master Quilter and skilled gardener, Wanda earned numerous accolades, including having her quilting tip which she submitted to a quilting show aired once on television, and she also received many blue ribbons at the York Fair for her exquisite quilts and lush produce. Her "greenest green thumb" was legendary among those who knew and loved her.
An entrepreneur at heart, Wanda founded "Wanda's Creations", a thriving business through which she shared her artistry with the world. She lovingly hand-crafted clothing for American Girl and Barbie dolls, and created stunning lap and doll quilts, she generously donated quilts for her grandchildren's school fundraisers, with each piece being a testament to her talent and care. Wanda also worked at Jack-Tarr sewing factory in Littlestown in the 1970's for several years.
Wanda also had an insatiable love of travel, especially cruising through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Her many voyages with friends, including an unforgettable Rock and Roll Cruise, and a memorable cruise to the Bahamas with her special companion Ray Graham, were highlights of a life lived with passion and delight. Most of all she adored her grandchildren, Craig, Danielle, and Henry. She truly loved being Grammy.
Above all, Wanda was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She leaves behind a legacy of love in the hearts of those who survive her: her two daughters, Theresa S. Lillich and husband Gordon of Hanover, PA, Cheryl A. Swisher and husband Gary of Capon Bridge, WV, and; her three grandchildren: Craig Lillich and Jessica of Los Angeles, CA, Danielle Lillich of Lebanon, PA, and Henry Lillich of Hanover; and her sisters, Kathryn (Flynn) Bailey of York, Alice (Flynn) Little and husband Earl of Littlestown, special companion Ray Graham of Windsor, PA, and Ray's daughters, Rhonda Clegg and Jennifer Handley and their families, who's visits were a blessing and joyful for her. Wanda was preceded in death by three brothers, Melvin Flynn, John Flynn, and James Flynn.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Wetzel Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 549 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331, with Reverend Bonnie Whittier officiating. A visitation to share memories and offer condolences will precede the service from 1 PM to 2 PM at the funeral home.
Flowers are appreciated, as a gardener she loved them all. Memorial contributions in Wanda's memory may be made to the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad Preservation Society at www.MaAndPaRailroad.com .
Special thanks to Compassus of Lancaster for their amazing care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wetzel Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.WetzelFuneralHome.com.
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