Wanda Lucile DenetDele Mansell Sunrise: February 20, 1935 Sunset: August 27, 2025

In Loving Memory of Wanda Lucile DenetDele Mansell

With grace in her heart and loved ones by her side, Wanda Lucile DenetDele Mansell passed peacefully into eternal rest on August 27, 2025, at the age of 90.

Wanda was born in Tuba City, Arizona, to Fred DenetDele (Dine) and Rena Laflore (Choctaw). At the age of 14, she left home to attend Haskell Institute in Lawrence, Kansas- a boarding and trade school for native American students. It was there, during her senior year of high school that she took notice of a young man, his name was Floyd Mansell.

Wanda went on to complete a rigorous three-year program at St. Margaret’s Catholic School of Nursing in Kansas City, where she became a Registered Nurse--a calling that would shape the next four decades of her life. While studying, her bond with Floyd grew, and in 1958, they married, beginning a life of deep love, shared dreams, and lifelong partnership.

Floyd’s work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs brought them to Santa Fe, NM, where they welcomed their first child. A year later, on a drive through the rugged beauty of central New Mexico, they came upon the village of Magdalena-a place they instantly knew was meant to be home. It was there, beneath the towering mountains and endless skies, that they raised nine children, built community, and cultivated a life rooted in purpose and love.

Wanda served as a nurse for more than 40 years, including long tenures at Socorro General Hospital, the Socorro County Mental Health Board, Magdalena Schools, and Alamo Navajo Health Clinic, where she spent over 25 years. Her unwavering dedication to healing and service earned her the prestigious Nurses Living Legend Award, a reflection of the countless lives she touched.

But Wanda was never defined by one role-she was a mother, advocate, artist, mentor, coach, and fierce community champion. She traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak on behalf of Native children’s health, was a proud member of the Haskell Club, New Mexico Indian Nurses Association, the Old Timers Association, and even the NM Amateur Boxing Federation, where she supported her husband’s coaching work-and stepped in the corner to coach when needed.

Wanda’s creativity knew no bounds. She was a gifted painter, photographer, potter, pianist, and seamstress. She found peace in bird watching, joy in country drives, and laughter in the company of her spirited dachshund, Hoppy, her ever-loyal sidekick.

Above all, Wanda was a matriarch-a gentle but powerful force who nurtured not only her children but her community. Her home was a gathering place of stories, food, music, and tradition. She leaves behind a family tree with deep roots and strong branches: Her beloved Floyd, her parents, and sons James, Mark, and Sean precede her in death.

She is survived by her sister, Shirley Pettis of Williamston, MI; children: Theresa Guerro (Rodey), Catherine Mansell, Phillip Mansell (Linda), Veronica Grantham, Victoria Lucero (Rick), and Brandon Mansell. Wanda was also a proud grandmother of 40 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren-biological and bonus-each held equally in her heart.

Wanda Lucile DenetDele Mansell lived a life of deep faith, unwavering service, and boundless love. Her strength, wisdom, and laughter will echo through generations.

Services

Rosary: 9:30 a.m.

Mass: 10:00 a.m.

Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Location: St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Magdalena, NM

Interment immediately following Mass at Magdalena Cemetery. Reception: Potluck gathering at the Parish Hall. All are welcome.