Wanda Chiavola Shockey *
Wanda Chiavola Shockey of Kansas City, Missouri passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at the Kansas City Hospice House.
On November 30th, family and friends gathered to honor and celebrate her extraordinary life. She rose to the occasion embracing every moment of the evening. On December 18th she reached her 100th birthday and during her final days, she was constantly surrounded by her loving family.
Wanda was born on December 18, 1919 in KCMO to George and Concettina Chiavola. She was the fourth of five daughters.
Wanda worked at Broadway National Bank, starting in installment loans and retiring as a bank Vice President. Once retired from banking, Wanda worked for the Office of the Jackson County Executive, Trinity Lutheran Hospital and finally, Redemptorist Catholic Church.
Wanda was a life-long member of Societa Ragusa Americana (SRA); her father was a founding member of this Italian -American organization. Wanda’s love for opera was instilled in her by her father and was a comfort to her always. She traveled to Italy several times with family members and always enjoyed going to New Orleans to visit her sister and family.
Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters and great nephew. Survivors include her son Joseph of the home; 7 nieces and nephews, 11 great nieces and nephews, 20 great-great nieces and nephews and 1 great-great-great niece.
Wanda became a mother to her sister Louisa’s three young children when she passed at age 33. She then took over the role of grandmother and great grandmother to all of Louisa’s family and loved them as her own.
There will be a visitation at the McGilley Midtown Chapel on Tuesday, January 7th from 3-7 pm. 20 W. Linwood Boulevard, KCMO.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Kansas City Hospice House at 12000 Wornall Road, KCMO, 64114.
The care, compassion and tenderness she was given in her final days will never be forgotten.
Published in Kansas City Star on Jan. 5, 2020