Wanda Augustine

COLUMBUS - Wanda Lee ‘Wonderful’ Augustine, 81, passed away peacefully from Alzheimer’s Disease at home in Pickerington, Ohio on Friday, November 17, 2023. Left to cherish her memory are her companion of 43 years, Nancy Caldwell Elliott; beloved baby sister Sandina (Dan) Martin; adored nieces, Christine (Craig) Brown and Kimberly (Len) Snell, devoted lifelong friends Connie Makely and John Gatrell, and many relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by brother Louis Augustine, mother Maunice Augustine, father Thomas and stepmother Valeria Augustine. Born in Columbus, Ohio on June 27, 1942, Wanda dedicated her youth to the Roman Catholic Church. As Sister Mary Raphael of the Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity, she taught in parishes throughout the eastern United States. Wanda earned her B.S. in Education from Rosary Hill College and her M.A. from Buffalo State University. After leaving the convent in 1979, she spent the remainder of her career with the Canal Winchester Public Schools. Known affectionately as ‘Miss A’, Wanda loved teaching middle school reading, civics and geography. Longtime residents of Grandview and Upper Arlington, Wanda and Nancy enjoyed travelling to such destinations as Alaska, Tunisia, Sicily, England and many places in between, including a pilgrimage to Fatima, Portugal. Home was where Wanda’s heart was: home with Nancy, family and friends and her cats. A Cleveland Browns superfan, Wanda loved reading, gardening and creating fairy houses and vigil lights. She was a radiant, generous soul and, with a twinkle in her eye and devilment in her bright smile, gave the world and everyone she met the gifts of optimism and deep joy. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM on Friday, December 1, 2023 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43221. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, December 2, 2023 at Our Mother of Sorrows Chapel at St. Joseph Cemetery, 6440 S. High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio 43147. Thanks and gratitude to Zusman Hospice, Dublin Glen Memory Care and Rightat Home caregiving. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Wanda’s name to The Franciscan Sisters of Penance and Christian Charity, Holy Name Province, 4421 Lower River Rd. Stella Niagara, NY 14144. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com.