In Memory of Wanda Lynette Woerner

I truly cannot believe I am writing this. On December 9th, after a 39 day hospital stay, my family lost our dedicated mother and loving wife, Wanda Woerner.

I want to say that I know she is now at peace, happy, no longer in any pain, and reunited with her loved ones, but that doesn’t make this the slightest bit easier. My dad Joe, sister Morgan, and I selfishly wanted her here on earth with us forever, but knowing just how sick Mom was ultimately led us to make the decision to respect her wishes and her quality of life.

On 11/2/2023 my mom was hospitalized for severe back pain. This was a chronic condition for her, and difficult to manage on a daily basis. She sought treatment through what should have been routine steroid injections. We found out that my mom had developed several abscesses along her spine, likely from the injections, which ultimately led to meningitis and a deeply severe brain and spinal cord infection. This news was devastating, scary, and we anticipated a long recovery, but was something we thought mom would beat. The infection led to septic shock and a spiral of several difficult to treat complications over the course of our stay. My mom suffered from chronic non-alcoholic liver disease already, but she was doing so well managing it. We were actually removed from the transplant list on 8/28/23 and told she was healthier on her own, which was such incredible news. During her admission, Mom’s liver became terribly sick and was no longer able to help her fight the infection. My mom ended up being intubated twice, on high-dose blood pressure medications, numerous antibiotics, multiple medications, and on continuous dialysis in order to help her heal. Unfortunately, this was too much on her body and she began to take a turn for the worst incredibly fast. Thankfully my dad, my sister, and I were able to be there with her and I know she felt us by her side.

The providers and care team at Hospital of UPenn fought diligently for my mom, and so did we for a positive recovery. Anyone who knew Wanda knows how strong of a woman she was. She was incredibly loving, supportive, fierce, fearless, compassionate, stubborn, caring, selfless, independent, rarely complained, and made sure everyone was taken care of before she worried about herself. She embodied a strength and resilience that is truly admirable, she never cared what anyone thought of her, she was true to herself and her word, and had an ever loving relationship with God. Mom was always so positive through her health conditions. She always said “On the day I was born, God wrote my life story in my book, he wrote down when I would return home to him and how it was going to happen, and I can’t change that.” That’s how fearlessly she lived life. Her trust in God’s plan for her was truly amazing. I know God watched over her during her health problems, and kept her safe. I know God guided her and gave her the strength to fight, but I also know that she was ready for whatever fate came her way, and that is truly beautiful.

My mom received endless treatment while in the hospital. From imaging, medication, labs, testing, etc. I can honestly say the providers and my family did all we could to offer my mom the best possible path to recovery. Knowing we left no stone unturned gives us some semblance of peace. There was absolutely nothing that wasn’t provided to my mom for her to heal and have a positive outcome, but her body began to shut down.

I’m writing this just as much for my mom as I am for my dad, Joseph. My mom and dad just celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary in September, but spent 43 years enjoying life together. Their relationship was inspiring, I strive to love my fiance Matt as much as they loved each other, and hope my sister can find a love as true as my parents’. They loved each other deeply, always made it through the tough times, and supported each other endlessly. My parents loved to travel and camp, they made the most of their time here together. They were actually traveling almost nonstop for the 6 weeks prior to Mom’s passing. It makes me so incredibly happy they shared this experience before tragedy struck. A family member said they are confident my mom found the best campground heaven has to offer and set up her spot, and I’m sure that’s true. I know my mom is snuggled up by the fire in her favorite hoodie and fuzzy socks, enjoying her lakeside view.

While my family is going through the absolute hardest time of our lives, my dad is concerned about finances in regards to covering my mom’s extensive hospital bills and laying her to rest peacefully. It is incredibly difficult to ask for help during this time, but I know that he needs it. I am looking to take any kind of stress off my dad that I can. If you can find it in your heart to bless my family during this difficult time, we would be forever grateful.

My mom was the most selfless person I know. Every year, during the holiday season, my mom would make bags for the homeless. She made sure to bring them with her whenever she went out, handing these bags full of toiletries, warm clothes, and food to people in need. She was truly such an amazing and caring woman. She did so much for others and I want to carry on her legacy by helping my dad. He is so hardworking and deserving. Growing up, my dad always made sure us girls were provided for to the best of his ability, and I would like to do what I can to make sure he is taken care of during this terrible time in our lives.

We don’t know how we’re going to survive without Mom. She held us all together and took care of us. We are so saddened by this devastating loss that progressed so rapidly. My mom should be here today. She didn’t deserve her liver failure or to suffer through this infection. Life seems so unfair right now. My parents should have had so many more years together, my sister and I still need our mom for so many things in life, my niece should get to grow up learning from the best Nonna around, making crafts and dancing around the house to any kind of music. There was still so much more for her to experience here in this life.

Thank you for being here and reading our story. More importantly, thank you for letting me share just how amazing my mother was and for any help you can provide to allow us to grieve and lay my mom peacefully to rest.

*blurred because Matt can’t see my dress yet but having been able to share this moment with my mom was so special. And her glow looking at me just melts my heart :)