Wanda Reise
March 3, 1926 -May 18, 2026
Wanda Reise
Wanda “Blondie” (Slonina) Reise, 100, of Dunkirk, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2026 at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center. She was born in Dunkirk on March 3, 1926, she was the wife of the late Leonard Gornikiewicz and Thomas Reise and daughter of the late John and Anna (Malkowski) Slonina.
A graduate of Dunkirk High School, Wanda worked at Van Raalte and the Dunkirk Observer. Beyond these roles, Wanda showcased her hardworking spirit as a waitress at the Kosciuszko Club and as a cleaner for Dunkirk Schools. Above all, she took immense pride in her role as a homemaker, tending to her household with unwavering care and devotion.
Wanda was known for her outgoing personality, able to strike up a conversation with anyone she encountered. Her friendly nature endeared her to many, making her presence a source of joy and comfort. Family was at the heart of Wanda’s world. She was deeply family-oriented, cherishing her children and grandchildren above all else.
As a devout Catholic, she found profound strength and solace in her faith, and she was a devoted parishioner of St. Hedwig’s Church.
Among her many interests, Wanda particularly enjoyed ceramics.
Wanda’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center for their exceptional care of Wanda.
Survivors include her children, Timothy (late Susan) Gornikiewicz and Patricia (Robert) Wunder; grandchildren, Michelle (Jason), Amy, Timmy (Ashley), Heather (Sam), Karin (Joey) and Kevin; step-grandchildren, Craig, Lynn, Michelle, Jennifer, James and David; great-grandchildren, Sammy (Lizzie) Julia (Robert), Grace, Paco, Claire, Leo, Mackenzy, Olivia (Nick), Nicholas, Aidan, Alex, Ewan, Dawson, and Hailey; and a great-great granddaughter, Mila. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Wanda is preceded in death by her first husband, Leonard Gornikiewicz who passed away in 1958, and her second husband, Thomas Reise who passed in 1979. She is also preceded in death by her step children, Mary Ann Palmer and Thomas “Jim” Reise, and siblings, Olga, Irene, Jane, Lillian and Matthew.
Relatives and friends are welcome to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth; 295 Lake Shore Drive E., Dunkirk, NY. Interment will be held in St. Hedwig’s Cemetery. Arrangements are by R. Michael Mackowiak III; R. Mackowiak Funeral Home, Inc., 56 East Doughty Street, Dunkirk, NY.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice in memory of Wanda.