Wanda Heather Hughes – 66, Onslow, passed away peacefully, with her children by her side, on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Truro, she was the daughter of the late George Bernard Hughes and the late Mary Jean (Hulsmans) Terry. She is survived by her partner, best friend and the love of her life, Robert Julian; her children, Christopher (Kim) Whidden Truro; Mathew Whidden Calgary, Alberta; Elissa (Shawn) MacInnes, Kennetcook; grandchildren, Annabelle, Kaylin, Michael, Tucker, Raina, Hailey, Everly; siblings, Belda (Tommy), Covington, Texas; Teasha Carriere, Truro; Peter (Ellen) Hughes, Truro; Bernard Hughes, British Columbia; Bonny (John) Henderson, Truro; several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, James and Bernice Hughes; maternal grandparents, Louis and Mary Hulsmans; nephew, Michael Carriere.
Wanda led a wonderful life. She attended Success Business College, studied to be a Paralegal as well as a Private Investigator. Wanda worked for CarCan Textiles at Nova Institute for Women, teaching her passion and love of sewing. Wanda owned her own business, Annabelle Designs, using her skills as a seamstress. She also worked for Venner and Associates as a consultant for bankruptcy and as their bookkeeper, Stanfield’s for several years and Fundy Textiles,
Wanda enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren who were a very big part of her life. She enjoyed spending time at her cottage at Little Shaw Lake, Middle Musquodoboit. She was an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters and enjoyed a good game of Bingo. She had a love for antiques, collecting coins, painting, doing a good jigsaw puzzle and had a great love of music.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where the funeral service will be held 6 p.m., Sunday, May 24, 2026. Reception will follow. Interment in Terrace Hill Cemetery, Kaulback Street, Truro. In lieu of flowers, donations in Wanda’s memory to Big Brothers Big Sisters are welcomed.
Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com