Wanda Herstein was born on August 19, 1950 in Lincoln, NE and died on April 5, 2025 in Louisville, CO after a long and valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Jim Herstein, daughter, Amy Coscarella, grandson, Nicholas Coacarella, sister, Suzanne (Micheal) Short and a number of sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnie and Yvonne McGill, and her sister, Shyla McGill and many other family members and friends who were there to greet her in heaven.
During her life, Wanda lived in Des Moines, IA, Portland, OR, Fargo, ND and Louisville, CO, but, she loved Nebraska and considered it her true home. She was a "farmer/land owner" who had great appreciation for the land that has been in the family for three generations. She, like her mother and grandmother, most cherished 19 acres of native (virgin) prairie grass because that land has never been disturbed and this grass has been in native state since the beginning of time.
Wanda loved her family and her extended family. Anyone who she met became an instant friend. If she knew you well, she became a friend for life and someone you could count on in time of need.
She enjoyed travel with family and friends and was able to visit all 48 of the contiguous US states as well as 20 countries, including Canada, Mexico, 12 Countries in Europe, Australia, New Zealand and 4 Scandanavian Countries. Her favored and most frequent destinations were New Orleans and her "home" state of Nebraska to visit family and to enjoy the "good life", including the annual Spring trip in order to view the incredible Sandhill Crane migration. Wanda and Jim were motorcycle enthusiasts and had a Harley Davidson since 2001. This led to a number of road trips with friends that created many wonderful memories.
Wanda worked various jobs for much of her adult life, but, spent most of her career in the Mortgage Loan business as an auditor. She was also a patriot and was involved for over 18 years in supporting the military and first responders. She was a member of the Colorado Patriot Guard Riders since April 5, 2007, coincidentally, the same date as her death. The members of the Colorado PGR became her extended family and they meant the world to her. She also served for 8 years on the Board of Rocky Mountain Honor Flight and had a close association with this group, as well. She had the honor of meeting and traveling with hundreds of WWII Veterans to Washington, DC in order to view the WWII and other memorials there.
Wanda, following her work life, became a dog sitter, which brought her great joy. She had the same passion for this work that she did in every aspect of her life.
She made the world a better place and just knowing her made one a better person. She will be missed by all who knew her, but, she will never be forgotten.
A celebration of life for Wanda is being planned.