Obituary for Wanda Jean Purvis
Wanda Jean Purvis was born June 5, 1924 in Kokomo, Indiana. At a young age, she moved to Coldwater, Michigan, where she lived until her death March 12, 2023.
Wanda began spending time at Coldwater Lake as a teenager, and lived there full-time since 1966, when she rebuilt after the Palm Sunday tornado. Over the years, Wanda was active in both the Coldwater Lake and Pearl Beach Associations. A gracious hostess, Wanda enjoyed entertaining at the Lake, and was known for her festive “corn parties”. Wanda was a graduate of Coldwater High School, where she played trombone in the marching band. An avid “Coldwater Cardinal”, she seldom missed her reunions, and enjoyed spending time with her classmates. Right after graduation, Wanda moved to Ypsilanti to work in the B-24 Liberator bomber plant at Willow Run. As a “Rosie the Riveter”, she was the final inspector on the leading edge of the tail assembly.
After WWII, Wanda moved back to Coldwater, and began her 51 year career as a bookkeeper. She worked for the Coldwater Dairy, the Lincoln Mercury dealership and the Ford dealership.
After retirement, Wanda began to travel in earnest. Always interested in others, she enjoyed learning about local histories and cultures. Wanda was a respectful traveler and grateful for her hosts’ hospitality. She visited many countries in her trips “across the pond”, but, as she would tell you, her favorite was Italy and the visit to the Vatican. Wanda also toured the Hawaiian Islands and journeyed extensively across North America.
Wanda leaves a rare legacy of example: kind, generous, humble and other-directed; independent, hard- working, and determined; uncomplaining and possessed of steadfast good humor. They broke the mold…
Wanda began spending time at Coldwater Lake as a teenager, and lived there full-time since 1966, when she rebuilt after the Palm Sunday tornado. Over the years, Wanda was active in both the Coldwater Lake and Pearl Beach Associations. A gracious hostess, Wanda enjoyed entertaining at the Lake, and was known for her festive “corn parties”. Wanda was a graduate of Coldwater High School, where she played trombone in the marching band. An avid “Coldwater Cardinal”, she seldom missed her reunions, and enjoyed spending time with her classmates. Right after graduation, Wanda moved to Ypsilanti to work in the B-24 Liberator bomber plant at Willow Run. As a “Rosie the Riveter”, she was the final inspector on the leading edge of the tail assembly.
After WWII, Wanda moved back to Coldwater, and began her 51 year career as a bookkeeper. She worked for the Coldwater Dairy, the Lincoln Mercury dealership and the Ford dealership.
After retirement, Wanda began to travel in earnest. Always interested in others, she enjoyed learning about local histories and cultures. Wanda was a respectful traveler and grateful for her hosts’ hospitality. She visited many countries in her trips “across the pond”, but, as she would tell you, her favorite was Italy and the visit to the Vatican. Wanda also toured the Hawaiian Islands and journeyed extensively across North America.
Wanda leaves a rare legacy of example: kind, generous, humble and other-directed; independent, hard- working, and determined; uncomplaining and possessed of steadfast good humor. They broke the mold…