Wanda Elaine Gibbons, 88, of Dubuque, IA, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026, at Stonehill Health Center in Dubuque.

Friends and family may visit Friday, March 6, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Leonard Funeral Home and Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A wake service will be held at 2:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Spirit Parish, Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 2921 Central Ave, with Rev. Jeff  Frieden officiating. Entombment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Wanda was the first baby of the year to be born in the city of St. Louis, MO, on January 1, 1938, the daughter of Carl and Lois (Eudaley) Fudge.

After a time as a single mother, she met the love of her life, Robert Gibbons. In 1975 they joined together their families in faith and love. Wanda devoted 25 years of dedicated service as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of Dubuque Community Schools, a role she carried out with loyalty and quiet competence. Beyond her professional life, she gave generously of her time and talents. A faithful member of Holy Ghost Church, she devoted much of her adult life to volunteer service, especially with Saint Vincent de Paul and Habitat for Humanity. Caring for those most in need—whether through material support or the gift of her time—was not simply something she valued; it was the way she lived.

Wanda found great joy in tending her garden. Summers were spent nurturing her plants while grandchildren happily slipped raspberries and cucumbers straight from the vine. Music often filled her home, and she could be heard whistling along to her favorite songs, especially those by Patsy Cline. Her quiet love, sassy stubbornness, and no-nonsense strength shaped generations and anchored her family.

She will be remembered for her steadfast generosity, her unwavering faith, and the gentle, steady love she gave so freely and without condition.

She is survived by her children: Scott (Ranee) Simpson of Dubuque, Greg (Amanda) Simpson of Dubuque, and Sara (Dave Nelson) Simpson of Chicago IL.; grandchildren: Aaron (Kelly) Simpson, Andrew (Katie) Simpson, Ashley (Blake Nedved) Simpson, Megan Simpson, Allison (Nic Hockenberry) Simpson, Hannah (Jacob Laugesen)  Simpson, William (Amy) Simpson, Quinn (Kallie Dale) Simpson, Madison Simpson, Hannah Smith, Gabriel Smith, Avery Nelson, and Theodore Nelson; 12 great grandchildren; siblings, Melba Scaglione, Jerry (Jeanne) Fudge, Diane Woller and Karen Fudge; along with many nieces and nephews.

Wanda is preceded in death by her husband Bob in 2015, her parents, son Randy Simpson, and siblings, Jim Fudge, Dwayne Fudge, and Mike Strader.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the nurses and staff at Stonehill Heath Center and Hospice of Dubuque for all their care and compassion given to Wanda.