Wanda Young Swisher passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on April 17, 2018. Wanda, the youngest of four children, was born in Oklahoma City to Hunter and Hazel Young on March 14, 1933. She graduated from Central High School and later received her nursing degree from Mercy’s Nursing School. Wanda had nearly completed her nursing training when she met Bill Swisher, the love of her life, while she cared for his grandmother. Wanda and Bill eloped on July 2, 1954, because Mercy’s nursing students at that time were not allowed to be married. They celebrated their honeymoon by sharing a banana split at the Carnation Ice Cream Shop.
The greatest adventure of Wanda and Bill’s life began with the births of their seven children in just ten years. Her most cherished role in life was being a mother to their five boys and two girls. This led to a very active household, which she thoroughly enjoyed (most of the time!). Wanda’s favorite activities involved her family, including two-week trips in their station wagon, and making holidays special for everyone.
As the proud mother of seven children, Wanda was loved as a second mother by many of her children’s friends. Her passion for mothering extended beyond her inner circle, as Wanda became a staunch advocate and fundraiser for children in need through her work with the YWCA and The Children’s Center. Wanda never took life too seriously and had a genuine fun side. In an effort to revamp the Nichols Hills parks, she dressed as the Easter bunny to bring children and families together.
Wanda worked tirelessly to make her hometown a better place for future generations, but nothing gave her more joy than spending time with her family and friends. Wanda truly never met a stranger because most who met her walked away a friend. She was a beacon of light and love, and no one knew this better than those who called her “Nama.” Being a grandmother and great-grandmother was what Wanda referred to as, “icing on the cake.” Her grandchildren lovingly remember her patience, love, and kindness.
She was preceded in death by her husband George William Jr. “Bill” Swisher and her son Christopher Lee “Bebe” Swisher. Survived by her children Bill Swisher (Shelley), Thane Swisher (Jill), Kyle Swisher (Michele), Ann Swisher, Kelly McLain, and Scott Swisher (Jennifer), her fourteen “perfect” grandchildren Lori Swisher, Kathryn Kahn (Jason), Elizabeth Swisher, G.W. Swisher, Natalie Bunds (Kyle), Alex Swisher (Eliza), Megan Rayle (Albert), Hunter Swisher, Erin Swisher, Ryan Swisher, Jennifer McLain, William McLain, Mark McLain, and Taylor McLain, and her three great grandchildren Madeline Kahn, Carter Bunds, and Ellie Bunds.
Memorial Services will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be Friday, April 20, 2018 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital, 6800 N.W. 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008.
