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 Gorzalczynski, Alena Asselin, Richard Gareau, Joel Asselin, Amy (Adi) Tecsa and Arthur Gareau. 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 Sigouin 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.
I had a chance to meet Wanda last summer on one of our trips to Larder Lake last summer. I found her to be a strong person, she knew what she wanted and she instilled this is her life. She was close to her family.
Rest in Peace Wanda, the body is just a vessel that carries us through life, it is what is created within that lives on through the hearts of your children and Family Memebers.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and in my prayers.
Your mom always had time to chat with everyone she met at post office, Larder Coop, gas station.
She would watch our rhubarb patch through the summer and we ensure got some to her. This summer sadly I missed getting some to her.
she was the original bus driver in Larder. She was a staple in our little town.
Larder Lake will miss her....
So very sorry for your loss..Thinking of all of you in this difficult time
Rest easy Wanda,I will miss our visits
I met Wanda when she regularly visited her mom Olga at T.P.R.
She was such a dedicated caring daughter who always had a kind word for other residents and staff.
R.I.P. Wanda
I grew up with Wanda’s family on 6th Avenue where her mom and my mom were good friends. I left for many years but whenever I came back she was always friendly and interested in my family’s lives. As she was so involved with hers. She was a strong and good person. Rest in Peace, Wanda
Wanda, weired using her name as we ALWAYS called her Mah, was an amazing neighbor. I've known her since I was a child. 3 years ago I moved accross the road from her. She was always amazing to talk to and spend time with her. She always watched over my home and family and in return I always helped her out with her vehicle and her riding lawn mower. I always made sure her lawnmower was running in tip top shape because she loved cutting the grass and making her yard look perfect. Mah was amazing with my little ones aswell. Always keeping an eye out on them making sure they were safe and bringing them treats and snacks. My girls loved her. She will trully be missed by everyone. We love you Wanda. May you rest in peace.
So very sorry to hear of Wanda’s passing, she was always , friendly & in good spirits Larder Lake will miss her .
