Obituary of Wanda I. Jankowski

Wanda I. Jankowski, 86, of Mutton Hill Road, Addison (Town of Woodhull), passed away at home on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 due to failing health. Wanda was born on the Blend family farm in Tuscarora on November 25, 1936, the daughter of the late Theodore and Ella (Faulkner) Blend. She was raised on the farm and attended rural schools before attending Addison High School from where she graduated. Her large family worked the family farm and they all learned the value of hard work, honesty and family. She was an avid reader in her youth, often finding quiet places to read many literary classics. Wanda began a 50 year history of employment with the Thatcher Glass Co. She began working there at the age of 16 in September of 1953. She applied for a single opening available at the time and finished with the highest test score among 40 other applicants. At that point in her career, she performed various tasks as assigned. She worked her way up the ranks to become a trainer and relief person to finally being named the company’s Budget Director. She was the first female there to ever hold that position. Wanda is survived by her children and their spouses, Cheryl and Steve Knowles of Campbell and Daniel and Rexanne Jankowski of Addison, her grandchildren, Josh (Leanna) Knowles and Danielle Jankowski, her great grandchildren, Amelia Gleason, Joseph Hand and Carter Knowles, her sister, Ella Kipferl of Pine City and Wilma (Joe) Hirshfield of Addison, many nieces and nephews and dear friends, Jason and Ashley Shauf and their children, Zachary and Barrett. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, Robert Jankowski, her brothers, Wellington, Samuel, Theodore, Martin and Collis Blend and her sisters, Edna Tunison, Vera Knowles, Dorothy Doland, Elma Hornbrook and Florence Edwards. Friends are invited to join the family in a gathering to honor Wanda’s life. It will be held on Monday, July 31 at 3 pm at the Barn at Hillsprings Farm, 535 Cty. Rte. 85, Addison, NY. Wanda will be laid to rest in Addison Hill Cemetery, Tuscarora. Arrangements are in the care of the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, Woodhull, NY.