Wanda Gay Schrader, formerly of Dowagiac, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Dec. 20, 2015.

Married 34 years to her soul mate, John, Wanda was adored for her charm, her humor, and her ability to make you feel like you were the most important person on earth. No amount of time with our sweet Wanda would have ever been enough.

She loved her family, her friends and her life, and through her devotion to these things, she showed us how to embrace every moment. In her final years, she taught us grace and showed us the light, even in the darkest of times.

It took us only moments to fall in love with our Wanda, and she will be remembered by all those who knew here, whether it was for days or decades. We will miss her beautiful blue eyes, her sense of style, her laughter and her kindness.

She leaves her memory for safe keeping with her husband John Santoro, sisters Deb (Dan) Hassenpflug and Shirley (Brian) Harvey; brothers Robert (Mary) Schrader and Charlie (Donna) Zook; nieces Susan, Laura, Caitlin and Sarah; nephews Michael, Eric and Nick; brother-in-law, Tom (Barbara) Santoro; nieces Kristin and Tom Jr. Santoro, Michele “Soul Sister” Santoro and countless friends. We take comfort that she has found her way to peace, with a glass of champagne and all the dogs she has ever loved.

If you would like to make a donation, please make it to your local food bank (Wanda’s favorite) or to the American Lung Cancer Association.