Wanda Van Woert

Ms. Wanda Mae Van Woert (nee Stoker) died peacefully Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in White Plains, New York, at the age of 83.

Wanda is survived by her sons, Peter and David, her three grandchildren, Colton, Hunter, and Jackson, and preceded in death by her brother, Ronald Stoker, of Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

Wanda was born on November 21, 1933, in Staten Island, New York to Elmer "Bud" and Mary "Mae" Stoker. She graduated from Smith College in 1954 with a degree in Chemistry. In 1955 she married Dr. Melvin Van Woert of Brooklyn, NY. The couple moved to Orange, Connecticut, where they welcomed two sons, Peter and David. In 1974, the family moved to Pelham, New York, where they lived for 15 years. In Pelham, Wanda was very active in the Parent Teacher Association, League of Women Voters, and Huguenot Memorial Church. She served as Financial Controller of the Hudson River Museum for many years. When Wanda relocated to White Plains in 1988, she found what she often referred to as her "church family" at White Plains Presbyterian Church. For almost 30 years, she loved to participate both as a leader and in the various activities of the church. She was a woman of incredible faith until her death.

Wanda loved to knit, play bridge, and travel. She shared her expertly knitted goods with her church community, family, and friends. She played bridge, with skill she developed while at Smith, regularly throughout her life. Wanda loved experiencing international culture and sights around the world and traveled late in life on exciting adventures to Africa, Peru, Costa Rica, Canada, and Alaska. She wrote two books about her personal life journey.

Wanda touched many lives in very special ways and her family remembers her as a woman who had no trouble making friends, or offering sage advice. She always made time to talk, loved a good laugh, and could tell a great story.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00am, June 20, 2017, at White Plains Presbyterian Church main sanctuary, directly followed by an internment on the church grounds, with a reception to follow in the fellowship room. Reverend Jeff Geary will be officiating the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Wanda's life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to White Plains Presbyterian Church, 39 North Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601.