Wanda L. Gilchrist

Wanda L. Gilchrist, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, with her 3 children and a few close friends at her side.

Wanda was born in South Charleston, WV.  She and her husband, Vince, moved to Brownsville, TX in 1960, where the family lived for many years.  Vince was transferred to Victoria where he worked a few more years before retiring.  They returned to the Valley, making their home in Harlingen, where they remained the rest of their days.

Wanda was a very devoted wife and mother, electing to stay at home during her children’s formative years.  Her working career began as an administrative assistant at the Brownsville Shrimp Turning Basin.  Seeking a job closer to home, she was hired as a teller at First National Bank in Brownsville.  She worked and studied diligently while at the bank.  She was wonderful with people and possessed a sharp business sensibility.  She was promoted to Personnel Director and ultimately Vice President.

Wanda was pre-deceased by the love of her life, her husband, Vince.  She is survived by their son, George Gilchrist (Debra) of Papalote, two daughters Patti Silar (John) and Cindy Bilbie (Rick) of Harlingen; five grandchildren, Will Bilbie of Austin, David Silar (Catherine) of Spring, Kelley Christensen (Dave) of Las Vegas, NV, Jennifer Sena and Matt Gilchrist (Melissa) of Corpus Christi and three great grandchildren, Aubrey, Ayden and Addison, all of whom she adored.  She also considered her best friend, Grace Seikaly and the Seikaly family to be her dear extended family.

Wanda was a wonderfully diverse and determined woman.  She enjoyed camping and fishing as well as traveling, cooking and decorating her home.  Her passion, however, was for her flowers and working in the garden.  She worked tirelessly, landscaping with ornamental plants and flowers for as long as she was able.  Her yards were always beautiful and fragrant, drawing birds and butterflies which she loved to watch.  Wanda enjoyed the challenge of crossword puzzles and usually won at Scrabble.  She became an avid reader and could always recommend a good book.  She loved music and watching “Ellen”.  Each year she gathered family for a beloved beach vacation.

Wanda was a shining beacon of love and kindness to family and friends.  No one was a stranger.  She loved animals and nature and humanity.  She was a beautiful person and will be dearly, dearly missed.

Visitation hours will be held Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 from noon until 9 pm at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home in Harlingen, with family in attendance from 5-8pm.  A graveside service will be held Saturday, Jan 6 at 2 pm at Restlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in La Feria with the Rev. Dr. Charles Palmer officiating.

The family would like to thank Dr. Diana Lozano and staff, Dr. Ameer Hassan, and Bee First Hospice for exceptional care of their mother.  A special thank you to Starr Cavazos, Alicia Martinez, Luana Gonzalez and Christina Garcia for their love and care.  You were all like daughters to her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Harlingen Humane Society, Treasure Hills Presbyterian Church, or the charity of your choice.

You are invited to sign the guestbook or share a memory at www.buckashcraft.com.

Arrangements are with Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home.