Wanda A. Plichta

Wanda Latta Plichta passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on Saturday, February 27, 2021 in Wellington, Florida, just shy of her 98th birthday. Wanda lived a long, fulfilling and active life, making friends everywhere she went and staying true to her spirited, joyful personality until her final breath.   

Wanda was born on March 10, 1923 in Wayne County, Michigan to Jan Latta and Helen Houlak Latta, who both emigrated into the United States from Poland. She was the 6^th of seven children. The Latta family owned a general feed store in Wyandotte which proudly served over 34,000 “customers”. Wanda grew up helping with the store, which taught her the values of hard work and integrity.

Wanda graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte in 1942. After graduation, she went to work at General Motors. She was noticed everywhere because of her stunning beauty and captivating personality, but only one man caught her eye. Thanks to a fateful blind date in 1945, Wanda met the love of her life, US Navy Veteran Frank Plichta, who she once described by saying, “they broke the mold when they made him.” Not only was he handsome and kind, but he also lived up to her family’s strong value system. Her mom told her she had a catch, and true to form, she listened.

Wanda and Frank were married in a beautiful ceremony at St. Elizabeth’s Church on June 15, 1946, and five years later, they started a family. Their three sons – Ron, Tom, and Gary – were their pride and joy. With their new family in tow, Wanda and Frank built a life of love and adventure. From cross-country vacations in the travel trailer to trips to the zoo and museum with neighborhood friends to celebrating their Polish heritage with stuffed cabbage and pierogies to spending summers at Camp Dearborn, there was never a dull moment in the Plichta household. Once their kids grew older, Wanda and Frank became popular members of many senior clubs, often winning the title of “Senior Prom King and Queen”. Their favorite hobbies were dancing, bringing family and friends together, and visiting casinos to play the penny slot machines.  Frank and Wanda moved from Michigan to Florida in 2011 to be closer to their family and to enjoy the warmer climate.

When Frank passed June 10, 2014, Wanda was devastated to lose the love of her life. But she had faith that they would be reunited once again, and today, we find comfort that they are together.

Wanda is survived by three sons Ron (Diane) Plichta, Tom (Marlene) Plichta, and Gary (Christina) Plichta; nine grandchildren – Steven, Jonathan (Ashley), Jeffrey, Jennifer, Brandon (Gayla), TJ (Kelsey), Drew (Caitlin), Lauren, and Katie; seven great-grandchildren – Primrose, Poppy, Hattie, Astrid, Fritz, Tobin, and Harper; and sister Veronica Smith. She was predeceased by husband Frank Plichta; parents Jan Latta and Helen Houlak Latta; and siblings Eddie, Helen, Lawrence, Mary, and Sophie.

Lastly, the family would like to thank Wanda’s long-time aides – Shadine East, Geneva Samuels, Pearl Stephenson, Stephanie Adams and Tamzena (Fay) Miller – who have cared for her over the past seven years. You became her extended family, and she loved you dearly.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Monday, March 1, 2021 at Tillman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2170 South Military Trail, West Palm Beach. Wanda will be laid to rest with her late husband Frank at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth. Please assemble in Lane Lane #1 by 10:15 AM if attending services at the cemetery on Tuesday.

Thank you for honoring Wanda's legacy by making a gift to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, an organization she supported through her granddaughter, Lauren. To make a donation in Wanda's name...  Click Here