Obituary: Margaret Donnelly, 82

Margaret Donnelly, longtime resident of Wanakawa, passed away peacefully on August 12 at the age of 82. Born in 1914, Mrs. Donnelly moved to town with her husband, Patrick, in 1946 and quickly became known for her warm smile and dedication to the community. She worked for many years at Wanakawa Elementary School as a secretary, where generations of students and parents came to know her friendly voice at the front desk.

She was active in the Wanakawa Garden Club and St. Mark’s Church, and was especially proud of her prize-winning roses. Mrs. Donnelly is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at St. Mark’s on Friday, August 16, at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Wanakawa Cemetery.

Obituary: Thomas Herrera, 59

Thomas Herrera of Wanakawa passed away unexpectedly on July 30 at the age of 59. A lifelong resident, Mr. Herrera was well known for running Herrera's Auto Shop on Oak Street, a business started by his father and a staple in town for more than 40 years. Many remember him not only for his skill as a mechanic but also for his generosity in helping neighbors and friends without hesitation.

In his free time, Mr. Herrera enjoyed fishing at Lake Wanakawa and coaching youth baseball. He is survived by his wife, Linda, their two sons, and a large extended family. Services will be held Tuesday, August 6, at Wanakawa Funeral Home, with visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. and a memorial service at 7 p.m.

Obituary: Helen Wu, 71

Helen Wu, a beloved teacher and community volunteer, passed away on August 4 at the age of 71. Mrs. Wu taught English at Wanakawa High School for more than two decades, where she was known for her high standards and her unwavering belief in her students’ potential. Her former pupils often said she inspired them to pursue higher education and new opportunities.

Beyond the classroom, Mrs. Wu was active in the Friends of the Library group and the Wanakawa Historical Society. She also enjoyed painting and often donated her work to local charity auctions. Mrs. Wu is survived by her husband, Robert, and their daughter, Anna. A memorial service will be held at Wanakawa High School auditorium on Saturday, August 10, at 2 p.m., open to all who wish to remember her.

Adding more benches and planting additional trees would make the park more welcoming and enjoyable for everyone. This is not a major expense, but it would make a big difference in the daily lives of residents. The Town Park is meant to be a place of relaxation and community, and small improvements like these will ensure it continues to serve that role for years to come.

Town Park Renovation Plans Unveiled

Plans for a major overhaul of Brooks Park were revealed yesterday, promising new facilities and green spaces. Read More...