Wanda Marie Olexa, 93, of Morgantown, passed away February 28, 2019, at Mapleshire Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Greer on March 27, 1925, the daughter of the late Frank Latusek, founder of the Silica Sand Company and the late Mary Sophia Szajnowski Latusek, of Poraz, Poland.
Survivors include three children, Dr. Michael T. Olexa, of Gainesville, Fla., Debra Olexa, of Morgantown, and Sandra Olexa-Smith, of Fredericksburg, Va.; grandchildren, Steven Olexa, of Columbia S.C.; Phillip Olexa, of Charlotte, N.C.; Dr. Hope Olexa, of Austin, Texas; great-grandson, Ashton Olexa; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Olexa; son, Dr. David F. Olexa; two brothers, John and Ted Latusek; and sisters, Helen Rutkowski and Jennie Maczko.
During World War II, Wanda worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” in the construction of B-29 bombers. Following the war, she worked at Sterling Faucet Company. She will be remembered by her family as a dedicated and loving wife, mother, and grandmother.
The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and staff of Mapleshire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the love and care given to Wanda during her stay.
Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, from 5 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 7. The Parastas service will be held at 7:30 p.m. to conclude the evening visitation. The Celebration of the Divine Liturgy will be held at St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 2115 Listravia Ave., in Sabraton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, March, 8, with the Rev. Father Jerome Botsko as Celebrant. She will be laid to rest with her husband in East Oak Grove Cemetery, Morgantown.
Floral remembrance will be accepted at the funeral home. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Ladies Guild of St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church, 2115 Listravia Ave, Morgantown, WV.
Condolences: hastingsfuneralhome.com
