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2016/06/08 - Solvang, AEB

Wanda May Bicandi, a 60-year resident of Solvang, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2016 at the Solvang friendship house, she was 96. Wanda was born on May 4, 1920 in Fallon Nevada to Ina Bell (McGhan) Howell and George Howell.

Wanda came from a pioneer family, her mother traveled in a wagon train from Mitchell South Dakota to Cody Wyoming. In Cody her mother and grandmother worked for Bill Cody as seamstresses. Her uncle, William (Billy) Howell, owned and operated one of the first dude ranches, which is still in operation as the Cross Sabers Ranch.

When Wanda was 7 years old she contracted polio. For therapy it was suggested that she take up music. Her father chose the violin, which she played her entire life. She loved classical music and was a member of the Solvang orchestra for years.

At the age of 9 her family moved to Homedale Idaho, where she lived until 1950. Her parents purchased a home which was across the street from a large Basque family, the Bicandi's. She fell in love and married tony Bicandi in 1941. During the war years she worked for Harley Martin's drug store in Homedale while Tony served in the Pacific.

Wanda had many stories about growing up in Homedale. All the fun she had with her friends rowing their boats on the snake river, going over to the island for picnics, swimming and fishing. She and her brother Riley rode Indian motorcycles and were both charter members of the local motorcycle club. She made many lifelong friends during those years.

When Tony returned from his service with the army, they moved to California and eventually settled in Solvang. In 1961 she went to work helping Leon Roeser set up his new store, Roeser's pharmacy. She worked for Leon and his family until the store closed.

Wanda loved animals, her yard was full of bird feeders and she always had a cat in her lap. Her cat now resides with Antoinette and her bird is a resident of the Solvang friendship House.

She was always learning something new, from photography classes to learning to upholster furniture. She even learned to downhill skiing when she was 62. She took many educational trips with elder hostel groups. She loved to sew and was an avid reader. Over the years she had many opportunities to travel. Trips to Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Poland, Romania and several trips to Hawaii. With her cousin Bama McGhan she spent a month in Alaska and they continued their travels going on cross country trips in the U.S. Her suitcase was always packed ready for a new adventure.

Wanda is survived by her daughter Antoinette (Jack) Coble, of Solvang. Grandchildren, Annette (Devon) Spickard of Eugene Oregon, Stephen (Jenneane) of Middleton Idaho, Jennifer (Scott) Miller of West Linn Oregon. Great granddaughters, Heather of Huntington beach, Ashleigh of San Diego, Madilyn and Kimberly of Middleton Idaho. Kyli and Peyton Miller of West Linn Oregon. Her sister in law, Josie Johnson of Homedale Idaho, Gayanne Bicandi of Vancouver Washington, and many nieces and nephews. Her dear friends, Willie Mueller, Margaret James, Margaret Skeen, Ingrid Jacobsen, brother Joe and the many friends she worked with at Roeser's.

She was preceded in death by Tony Bicandi and her brother Riley Howell.

Wanda's family would like to thank the staff of the Solvang Friendship House for all their loving and compassionate care that our mother and grandmother received, and especially Jennifer Howell for her above and beyond kindness. We are very grateful to the hospice nurses and staff not only for the physical care, but the mental and spiritual care.

Services will be held at Loper Funeral Chapel in Ballard on July 29, 2016 at 10:30, interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Wanda would be pleased if donations were made to the Santa Ynez valley humane society.

(Published in The Santa Barbara News-Press Online Edition from July 17 to July 21, 2016)