Wanda Sznaza, age 94, of Robbinsville, NJ, formerly of Perth Amboy, Whiting, and Fords, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025, surrounded by her children.

Born in Ceriale, Liguria, Italy, in 1931, Wanda moved to England in 1948 to work, where she would meet her future husband Joe. She married Joe, the love of her life, in 1949. They had a great love story of meeting while working in a hospital in England. Joe was from Poland, Wanda from Italy. They would spend several years living and working in England as well as traveling to each other's hometowns in Gdynia, Poland, and Ceriale, Italy, before emigrating to the United States in 1952. They first bought a home in Perth Amboy, NJ, with Joe moving first, setting up employment, and their new home.  After obtaining her Visa, Wanda joined him nine months later. Together, they learned the language, immersed themselves in American culture, studied, and proudly became citizens of the United States. Later, they made the Fords section of Woodbridge their home, where they raised their children, and resided there until 1995.

Once settled in the United States, Wanda began working retail at Baraccini Candy and Cornells Clothing.  She continued working retail until the birth of her son, Joseph, and daughter, Christine.

As her children grew, Wanda became very involved in her church, Most Holy Rosary, in Hopelawn, NJ, and her children's school.  She dedicated Friday nights to helping call numbers at the church bingo and sewed habits for the nuns of the church. She volunteered to work in the school kitchen daily by making and serving lunches to the school's students. This volunteer position kept her close to her children during the day and connected her to the school and her children's friends. One of her greatest joys came from participating in the church's annual Calendar Party. She hosted amazing parties for friends and family, doing all of the cooking herself.  She was an incredible cook. Her creativity shone for years with the tablescapes she designed.

As her children grew, Wanda returned to work, continuing retail at Innovation Luggage.  She retired in 1991 and later moved with her husband to Whiting, NJ. There, she joined the Whiting Village VI Residents Club and TOPS.  She was a frequent line dancer and organized and participated in many social activities over the years.  Wanda was very proud of her commitment to the clubs, even attending TOPS conferences as far as Canada. Wanda spent the last year of her life at Rose Hill Assisted Living in Robbinsville, NJ. She was loved by the staff and made several friends, all of whom cared deeply for her.  Never wanting to bother anyone, she was fiercely independent to the end.

Wanda is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Joe, and her parents, two sisters, Renata and Adwa, and one brother, Enrico, all of Italy. Wanda leaves behind her son, Joseph, and his wife, Diana, of Allentown, NJ, her daughter, Christine Bell, of Allentown, NJ, and her grandchildren, Olivia, Joseph, Chelsea Sznaza, and MacKenzie, Morgan, and James Bell.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 4, 6-9 pm at Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main Street, Allentown, NJ. Funeral services will be private.