Wanda M. Kephart
Wanda M. Kephart of Madera completed her earthly journey Thursday, May 8th, 2025.
She was born August 19, 1952 (72). She was the daughter of the late Milan Jr. and Lily (Perry) Brink. Her siblings were Celia Aloi, Shirley Hahn, Gordon Brink, Curtis Brink, Alvin “Butch” Brink, Jill Shugart, and Kevin Brink.
She graduated from Moshannon Valley in 1970 and later obtained an associate’s degree in Specialized Business, from DuBois Business College graduating Magna Cum Laude.
On January 29, 1971, she married her high school sweetheart, Barry Smith, who preceded her in death at the age of 30 from a massive heart attack on May 20, 1983.
February 9, 1985, she wed Franklin Kephart with whom she loved to share the sense of adventure with trips to Hawaii, Israel, and England by air and later countless RV trips across the United States, seeing many beautiful places.
Surviving is her son, Michael (Juliann) Smith of Houma, LA and his children Katelynn Smith of St. Mary’s, GA, and Lilly and Jack Smith of Houma, LA.
Also surviving is her daughter Michelle (Thomas) Fulare, of Coalport, PA and her children Barry (Emily) Kanouff of Fernwood, PA and Baliegh (Jim) Butler of Gibsonia, PA. She cherished being “Great Nan” to her great-grandchildren Gabriella, Maliyah, Keymari, Lilyahna, Arlo, and Annastee of St. Mary’s. Connor and Cole Butler of Gibsonia, PA. Bennett Kanouff, of Fernwood, PA.
She enjoyed porch visits with her brother Butch and his late Millie. Wanda did not believe in “favorites” but was especially fond of her niece, Sara Beth Brink.
Never in question was the love she shared and the blessings she felt when she was around her family. She found endless joy in the simplicity of her “weed patch,” working on jigsaw puzzles (1,000 pieces or not at all), and she enjoyed the taste of wine. She was not without lessons which she taught her kids and grandchildren to be decent, kind, give back and love with all your heart.
Wanda’s life was not lived without tragedy and heartbreak. On February 7, 1999, she experienced the devastating loss of her 7-year-old grandson, Brandon Cannistraci, after a motor vehicle accident. She devoted her life to showing acts of kindness to anyone in need to continue his legacy. Today we have peace in knowing they’re together in Heaven.
The Madera United Methodist church was blessed to have her as a volunteer treasurer for over two and a half decades.
When Parkinson’s Disease came as a diagnosis, her husband Frank became her care partner and devoted his life to taking care of her and with their daughter, they kept Wanda at home surrounding her with family and unwavering love.
We are especially grateful to all who showed kindness to our family during the difficult times of progressing Parkinson’s—meals that were delivered, time spent to keep our family company or give respite at home when needed, greeting cards received and all the other acts of kindness will forever be cherished; we’d like to especially thank Christina Burns-Hallman, who provided home care to Wanda.
A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family; she will be buried in Philipsburg Cemetery.
Heath Funeral Home & Cremation Services, LLC, Osceola Mills, PA is in charge of arrangements.
TO SIGN THE ONLINE GUESTBOOK – GO TO: www.heathfuneral.com
