Wanda Cecilia Barko

April 15, 1921 - March 13, 2017

Wanda Cecilia Barko, 95, of Houston , passed away on Monday, March 13, 2017. She was born on April 15, 1921 in Blythesdale, PA to parents, Walter Kasmerski and Helen Nowicki Kasmerski. As a young lady, Wanda met and married her true love, Andrew Joseph Barko. They were married for 65 years when Andrew passed away. Wanda and Andrew moved to Houston in 1960 when Andrew went to work for Hydraulic Equipment Service, Inc. During their marriage they were blessed with five children. Wanda was an avid gardener and enjoyed raising plants and flowers of all kinds. She was awarded a First Place Ribbon for her favorite rose, the Peace Rose that she had grown. She also enjoyed singing in the choir at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where she had attended since moving to Houston in 1960. She will perhaps be remembered most as a wonderful Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. Wanda was fortunate enough to be able to be a stay at home Mom to her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful cook and baker and that too will be missed by all fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to taste her offerings. She is survived by her children, Diane Dicus, Andrew “Sonny” Barko, Jr. and wife Jo Frances, Michael Paul Hill, Sharon Wark and husband James, and Laurie Reid; grandchildren, Tedd Dicus, Terry Dicus and girlfriend Sharon Gibson, Lisa Meaux and husband Ben, and Justin Hawkins and wife, Michelle, great-grandchildren, Jourdan Dicus, Jacob Dicus, Emily Meaux, Dana Steichen and Skylar Steichen; sister, Cecilia Apple and husband Perry and niece, Stephanie Barko. Wanda is also survived by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 20, 2017 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Hardin Family Funeral Home in Houston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 11 o’clock in the morning at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church with Father Rafael Beccerra officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Houston.