Wanda JoAnn Bainbridge

Date of Death: October 5, 2026

Service Details

Her family will receive friends Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers, Michigan.

Obituary Notice

Wanda JoAnn Bainbridge
October 19, 1957 – October 5, 2026

Wanda JoAnn Bainbridge, 68, of Centreville, passed away unexpectedly Monday, October 5, 2026, at Three Rivers Health.

She was born October 19, 1957, in Three Rivers, Michigan, the daughter of Rudy and Phyllis (Swihart) Kelley.

Wanda married Daniel Paul Bainbridge on September 22, 1974, in Centreville. Together, they shared 52 years of marriage and raised their three children while living in Centreville, Colon, Mendon, and Vicksburg. They later settled in the Austin, Texas, area for many years as empty nesters, where they enjoyed going to estate sales, the warm weather, and visits with their children and grandchildren.

Wanda was a salesperson extraordinaire, selling everything from furniture to Avon. Her kids would always joke that she could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white satin gloves. She had a natural gift for connecting with people and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. Wanda also worked with children as a paraprofessional, where she found great satisfaction in making a difference in their daily lives.

Wanda loved karaoke and singing, especially to her children and grandchildren. She also loved old movies, musicals, and listening to Elvis Presley. She started a family tradition of hosting regular Sunday family dinners with whoever could make it, treating everyone to her famous pot roast or creamed chicken over mashed potatoes. She also enjoyed eating out with family, but mostly just so she could share her food with you.

Wanda was fiercely competitive and skilled at nearly every game she played, from bowling and Jeopardy to card games and Yahtzee. She sure did enjoy winning, with grace and a smile.

Wanda loved being a mother to everyone, and being a grandma really suited her too. She was very protective of those she loved. She had a remarkable ability to understand what others were feeling and could sense when someone needed a little extra love, encouragement, or simply someone to listen. Her empathy and compassion made people feel understood, accepted, and cared for.

In her later years, Wanda always found ways to enjoy time with those she loved, despite having more than her fair share of health issues. She also enjoyed connecting with and encouraging friends and family alike through social media.

Wanda will be remembered for her sense of humor, her competitive spirit, her big heart, and the way she loved and looked out for her family. She leaves behind countless memories, family traditions, and a whole lot of love.

Remaining to cherish her memory are her husband, Dan Bainbridge; daughter, Jennifer (Scott) Douglas; son, Cory (Jen Gartland) Bainbridge; daughter, Emily (Matthew) Wagner; foreign exchange student, Minh Nguyen; grandchildren, Madysen Douglas and spouse Emma, Lily Douglas, Konner Bainbridge, Kennedi Bainbridge, Landen Bainbridge, Isabella Bainbridge, Andy Wagner, and Beau Wagner; brother, Randy (Tara) Kelley; half-brothers, Tracy and Stacy Hardy; stepbrother, Billy Varner; sister, Penny Johnson; stepsister, Judy Varner; and mother-in-law, Mary Bainbridge.

She was preceded in death by her father, Rudy Kelley; mother, Phyllis Varner; sister, Lorraina Barnes; grandson, Justin Ramirez; and father-in-law, William Bainbridge.

Additional Information

Flowers are welcome or the family asks that memorial contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice in Wanda’s memory.

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