Wanda Mae York's Obituary
Wanda Mae York, age 84, passed from this life on July 26, 2025, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She was born on May 14, 1941, in Checotah, Oklahoma, to her loving parents, Jack and Bernie Baker.
Wanda lived a life full of love, laughter, and dedication. A proud and passionate paraprofessional, she devoted over 35 years to Tulsa Public Schools, where she found immense joy in working with and teaching her students. Her commitment extended beyond the classroom, as she often volunteered and attended the Special Olympics, always cheering on her students with pride and encouragement.
A true Sooner fan, Wanda always enjoyed watching OU games and found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed watching American Idol and Wheel of Fortune, decorating for every holiday, and preparing delicious meals for her family, especially during the holidays. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the scent of something wonderful cooking in the kitchen.
Wanda had a flair for fun and self-care—she loved shopping trips, getting her nails done, and treating herself to a good manicure and pedicure. She adored her family deeply and cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her love for them was boundless, and her presence was a constant source of comfort and joy.
She found peace in nature and beauty in the little things—flowers, walks, reading, and doing crosswords and her daily “seven words,” which she believed kept her mind sharp. Music was another of her joys, especially the timeless voices of Elvis and Neil Diamond. Wanda also had a fondness for collecting angels and cookie jars, and her favorite color, purple, was a reflection of her vibrant and graceful spirit.
Wanda is preceded in death by her daughter Lisa Kuykendall, granddaughter Deborah Gamwell, and son in law Jack Taylor. Left to cherish her memory are her children Connie Burns and her spouse Pat, Natalie Taylor, Tony Casillas and his spouse Tamara, Linda Lewis and her spouse Charles, Brenda Gregory and her spouse Steve, and Philip Casillas and his wife Renee; 21 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; 13 great great grandchildren; siblings Barbara Chapman, Vicki Randolph, Carlene Arnold, Dorothy Baker-Dickerson, and Danny Ray Thomas; along with many other family members and friends who will forever cherish the light that Wanda brought into their lives.
A viewing to come and pay respects to Wanda will take place on Sunday, August 3, 2025 from 1PM – 5PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. A celebration of her life will take place on Monday, August 4, 2025 at 10AM at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel. Wanda will be laid to rest at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens.
Floral Haven will be livestreaming the service for those that cannot attend in person to join virtually. To attend Wanda's service via livestream please utilize the link below. The link will be active 15 minutes prior to the start of the service.
https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/114728
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