Wanda J. Brown

BROWN Wanda Joan Brown (Alter), age 75, passed away Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at the Kobacker House, following a lengthy and brave battle against breast cancer. She was born August 31, 1936 in Tampa, Florida to Francis Alter and Hilda Pauline (VanLandingham) Alter Carter Stott, and was their only child. Wanda graduated from Hillsborough High School in Tampa and nursing school in Orlando. After graduation, she practiced nursing in Gainesville, Florida. On February 7, 1958, Wanda married her high school sweetheart Joe H. Brown, Jr. and began their journey together, starting with a move up north. During their 54 years of marriage, Joe and Wanda had five children, 14 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren, all of whom brought much activity, love, and joy to their home and life. Wanda was a Christian and long-time member of North Baptist Church in Columbus where she held many active roles over the years. She sang in the church choir, taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School, led women’s circle groups, and created many caring, lasting and precious friendships with other church members. Wanda loved going out to movies and dinner with Joe and had a passion for politics later in her life. She enjoyed family vacations and occasional trips to spend time with her dear nursing friends. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and fought it courageously and with dignity, even to the end. She was a beautiful woman; a patient, caring, selfless mother, grandmother and great-grandmother; and a devoted and loving wife. Left to remember and love Wanda are her husband, Joe; children, Steve (Ann), Debbie Rosensteel (Marty), David (Karen), Karen Morgan (Jon), and Dan (Heather); 14 grandchildren, Nate Brown, Carrie (Alex) Heiden, Ali Brown; Melissa, Brian, and Jason Rosensteel; Jordan, Megan, Hannah, and Samantha Brown; Caroline and Lilli Morgan; Hadley and Tom Brown; great-grandchildren, Corrinne and Gus Heiden. Wanda is also survived by her sister-in-law, Angie (Donald) McElvy; brother-in-law, Ted (Peggy) Brown; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held Friday, June 15, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at North Baptist Church, 77 Charleston Ave., Columbus, Ohio. The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 14 at the Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street, Worthington, Ohio. Burial in Kingwood Memorial Park. Memorials may be made in Wanda’s name to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure at www.komencolumbus.org, or to benefit the Kobacker House at www.ohiohealth.com/kobackerhouse.