March 16, 1927 – March 3, 2025
Stephen Bryant, of the Plymouth Colony, Thomas Bryant, of the Plymouth Colony, Johan “Ann” Doane, Lydia Hicks, Dea. John Doane, of the Plymouth Colony, Amy Eddy, John Eddy
From the project Great Migration: Passengers of the Handmaid, 1630
Wanda Joy Agostini, born Wanda Joy Eddy, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2025, in Redding, California, at the age of 97.
Wanda was born on March 16, 1927, and grew up in Yreka, California. Here parents were Amelia (Millie) Owen Eddy and Irving Levi Eddy, Jr., both descendants of prominent pioneer families. Raised with a strong sense of heritage and resilience, Wanda embodied the pioneer spirit that had been passed down through generations.
Throughout her life, Wanda was deeply engaged in civic and political affairs, and she held numerous positions at the local, state, and national levels within the Republican Party, including President of the California Federation of Republican Women. She was an appointee to the California Board of Nursing, where she served as liaison to the California Legislature. She also served as the Foreman of the Shasta County Grand Jury.
Wanda’s love for animals was another defining aspect of her life. She co-founded Haven Humane Society Adoption Center in Anderson, a no-kill animal home dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals in need.
Wanda’s lineage carried historical significance as well. Her ancestors included members of the Eddy family who arrived in America on the Handmaiden in 1630, one of the earliest ships to land at Plymouth Rock, and descendants who came to the Shasta Valley by wagon train in 1854.
She is survived by her sons, Steven Alan Minor and Ellis Owen Agostini; grandsons, Steven Anthony Minor and Logan Michael Agostini; great-grandchildren, Harrison and Scarlett Minor; cousin Allen Eddy and his wife Linda; niece Kathy Irvine Allen and her husband Frank; and nephew Michael Irvine and his wife Robin.
A memorial gathering to celebrate Wanda’s long life and many accomplishments will be held on March 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Siskiyou County Museum in Yreka, California (910 South Main Street). Friends and family are invited to join.
May Wanda’s legacy continues to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Please make donations to The Haven Humane Society Adoption Center, 7499 Eastside Road, Anderson, CA 96007.
sourced – Girdner Funeral Chapel
