Wanda Reise

March 3, 1926 — May 18, 2026

Dunkirk

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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.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Reise, please visit our flower store.

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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Mass

Saturday, May 23, 2026

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Blessed Mary Angela Roman Catholic Church of St. Hyacinth

295 Lake Shore Drive East, Dunkirk, NY 14048

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