Wanda passed away on November 10 th , 2025, at the Temiskaming Hospital with family by her side. She was born in 1943 in Hamm, Germany to Polish parents, Frank and Olga Mowinski. She immigrated to Canada with her parents in 1949 and made Larder Lake her hometown. She would spend her next 76 years in this community becoming a well-respected community member. It is here that she met her husband, Bruno Gareau and raised a family of three children with Bruno.
Wanda was a woman of no-nonsense, she lived life without false pretense. She spoke her mind directly and clearly making her someone of high integrity. This quality made her an important mentor to her grandchildren.
Wanda loved to catch fish and hunt for moose with her husband. She was also an active community coach for girls’ softball and broomball teams. She is predeceased by her parents (Olga and Frank Mowinski), her husband (Bruno Gareau) and her son (Raymond Gareau). She is survived by her daughters Dianna (Stan) Gorzalczynski and Susan (Andre) Asselin and her six grandchildren, Emily, Alena, Richard, Joel, Amy and Arthur. She is also survived by her sister Joanne (Fred, predeceased) Clumpus and her nephew, Ryan (Sabrina) Clumpus and her niece, Laura (Chris) Gowans.
Wanda will be missed by her family, her many friends and her dear friend, Françoise Siguin Baril. The family wishes to thank Dr. Glenn Corniel, Dr. Amanda Corbeil and Dr. Dubois of the Temiskaming Hospital and the nurses and personal support workers of the palliative care unit for their professionalism and support. In keeping with Wanda’s wishes, no funeral services will be conducted.