Wanda K. Geist

Wanda K. Geist, 96, of Port Charlotte, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, receiving Holy Communion and last rites on Nov. 21, 2017. Wandas journey began as a premature infant on Nov. 12, 1921 in Gary, Indiana. Her parents, Wladyslaw "Walter" Kaplon and Bronislawa "Bernice" Szymanska Kaplon, both emigrated from Lublin, Poland to Chicago, IL. Wandas first language was Polish. She soon became a Granger, Indiana farm girl, attending a one-room school house before graduating in the top ten percent from Washington Clay High School, So. Bend, IN. Wanda and her future husband, Albert Wilson Geist of Mongo, IN, who met while both worked at Wilson Bros., chose the Episcopal faith. They married on August 9, 1941 in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Mishawaka, IN and raised their children in Mishawaka, Indiana. Both were avid YMCA volunteers, gardeners and Garden Club members. The couple became permanent residents here in 2000. Since 2006 Wanda resided at South Port Square. She was a Bluebird and Campfire Girl Leader and will be remembered for her self-sacrificing and unconditional devotion to family; exemplary service to those less fortunate, especially shut-ins; love of poetry; and for her homemaking skills, especially her award-winning cakes. She is survived by her children, Patricia Geist (Peter) Stiles of Bonita Springs, FL, Dr. Robert Wilson (Kim) Geist of Guilford, CT, Dr. Beverly Geist (Wolfgang) Barth of Passau, Germany; a younger sister Jenny Borst of Mercer Island, WA; and numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Wanda was preceded in death by her beloved husband and elder son, George. A private memorial service will be held at South Port Square, Port Charlotte, FL. Memorial donations may be made to the Virginia B. Andes Volunteer Community Clinic. Wandas family especially thanks Rev. Vincent Scotto, Dr. Sergio Coss, Drs. L. and M. Valente, as well as Tidewell Hospice.