Wanda Styron of San Juan Bautista, cultural and political activist and real estate sales representative, died on Tuesday, April 17, at the San Jose Medical Center, from injuries sustained in an auto accident on Wednesday, April 11, 2007. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 22, at 2:00 P.M. at the Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home in Hollister.
Ms. Styron and her significant other, Rebecca McGovern, were very active in local civic and cultural affairs. Both have resided in San Juan Bautista since 1974.
In 1974, they owned and operated the Mariposa House restaurant where Wanda was the Chef. The restaurant gained national reputation for its fine Cuisine. During the filming of East of Eden in San Juan Bautista, Wanda was host to the entire film cast and crew. Until her untimely death, invitation to dine at their home always meant a meal of culinary delights prepared by Wanda. El Teatro Campesino was another local arts organization that received the generosity of both Becky and Wanda through many receptions held at the Mariposa House. The restaurant was the unofficial headquarters of El Teatro Campesino, employing many of the troupe members as wait staff and kitchen help.
With former San Juan Bautista residents, the late Ed Gruskin and his wife, Sipora, Wanda’s love for writing led to the founding of the Magazette where Ms. Styron served as Editor. Her passion for writing was developed early and continued throughout her life. She was an avid reader and could render poetry from memory on request. No literary discussion was beyond her, for she was knowledgeable on writers and writing styles.
Before residing in San Juan Bautista, Ms. Styron was the Manager of the mercury department for the Eastern Smelting Co. of Boston. She re-enlivened the New Idria mine of Panoche,,CA and was known affectionately as “that woman from the east” who creatively changed the course of processing mercury.
Stylish and possessing of a joyous sense of humor, treasured by family and friends, she was born in Garland, Kansas and raised in Vinita,OK. Those who had the pleasure of knowing and working with Ms. Styron will fondly remember her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Music Departments of the county schools.
