Obituary of Wanda H. Hatfield

Leader in Erie County Public Health Initiatives/Delegate to the Republican National Convention Wanda H. Hatfield (nee: Steeves), age 85 of Eden, New York died Saturday, February 6, 2016. She was born July 22, 1930 in Buffalo, New York. She was a daughter of the Late Claude and Florence (nee: Rasinski) Steeves. Wanda was a graduate of Lafayette High School, E.C.C. Technical Institute and Buffalo State College. She married her college sweetheart James M. Hatfield, Sr. in 1950; they were happily married for 65 years. She was the beloved mother of Dr. James M. (Dr. Patricia) Hatfield, Deborah A. Yancey and Cynthia H. Koener. She had 9 grandchildren, including the late Racheal Poole and two great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with her beloved great grandson Ollie Keefe. She had a very close bond with her granddaughter Emily Koener, who lovingly took care of her grandmother until her passing. She worked as a dental hygienist and educator for Erie County BOCES. Later in her professional life Wanda was employed by the Erie County Health Department and developed a system of using mobile health testing units that screened for diabetes and high blood pressure in thousands of Erie County residents. Her program for Senior Healthcare was awarded the best senior healthcare program in New York State by Mario Cuomo; former Governor of New York State. After retirement, Wanda was an active volunteer teaching literacy to the incarcerated. Wanda was an active member of the Erie County Republican Party and was a New York State delegate to the Republican National Convention of 1968. Wanda was also an active member of the Eden United Methodist Church and the Alice Hines Circle. A Memorial service will be held Friday, February 12, 2016 at 1:00PM at the Eden United Methodist Church, 2820 East Church Street, Eden, New York 14057 Flowers gratefully declined. Memorials may be made to Make A Wish Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Laing Funeral Home Inc. Eden, NY. Words of sympathy may be left on www.LaingFuneralHome.com