Helen "Wanda" Halliday

Helen “Wanda” Halliday, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024, in Woodbridge, surrounded by the ones she loved sharing fond memories of a life well lived. She passed in her 85th year but as she put it, she was only 18 plus, and the plusses were hers. 

Wanda leaves behind and will be missed by her loving husband James “Heath” of 60+ years, and her children Denise, Michael and his wife Wendy. She will be forever cherished by her grandchildren, Audrey and Wilson, who brought her great joy. She was also a loving sister to the late Joseph Konior and to Eugene Konior, and she will be deeply missed by the Halliday family, who considered her the best part of Heath. 

Born and raised in Mimico by her late parents, Stefan and Anelia Konior, Wanda later moved to Scarborough with Heath, where they began their family. It was here where she found her love of gardening. Their backyard was the envy of the neighbourhood and the place for countless gatherings for friends and family. Wanda worked for many years at Statistics Canada, forming lasting friendships with her coworkers. 

In 2000 as empty nesters they moved on to the next chapter of life in Woodbridge. It was here that she continued her gardening starting with a clean palette. Wanda became involved with CHATS, a charity that assists seniors, and enjoyed outings to the theater with friends. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, taking them on countless adventures, including many fun-filled trips like Wet n Wild, where she was always the first one down the slides. 

In her downtime, Wanda made sure Heath had projects to keep him busy, always thinking of ways to keep life interesting. Every evening at 5 pm, she and Heath enjoyed their cherished “cocktail hour” on the back deck in the summer, and in the colder months, they would gather by the fire to keep “toasty” and enjoy each other’s company. 

Wanda’s warmth, laughter, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family and friends, and in the beautiful memories she created.