Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Wands was one of the first professional educators I met, a gifted adviser, as well as an astute listener. She probably had more influence than she knew on this new UC student, commencing 1954. A beautiful person, she was also aware of the lack of world experience new students might have, and in my case she made the transition into the college world, and later the world of work smoother. She had the gift of understanding, and we became
friends, especially after my graduation. Keeping in touch over the years was tricky, at best, because she and I both kept busy schedules. However, we tried to meet at least once a year and catch up. She related travel stories, and I had stories of large family escapades, workplace events, and conversations about interests in history. I learned that Wanda was a tour guide; as a docent with Cincinnati Museum Center I have also been a researcher and a tour guide for the last ten years. Following completion of the local history of St. Bernard, which she and I had discussed periodically, I sent her a copy for Christmas - should have known something was wrong when I didn't get a note. We had exchanged gifts each year - even if it took 6 months to celebrate (Christmas in July). She had confidence in me - she will be missed. God Bless her caring family.
Marge Nieen
