Wanda Soto's Obituary
In the early hours of December 9th, Wanda Soto passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 68. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who touched the lives of all who knew her.
Wanda was born in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Efrain Cruz and Carmen Amelia Vega on April 8, 1956. She spent her formative years in Brooklyn, NY, where she graduated from Samuel J. Tilden High School. After high school, Wanda met the love of her life, Voltaire Soto, and together they built a beautiful life and raised three children.
Wanda had a successful career, starting as an executive secretary at the General Services Administration (GSA) before moving to South Florida, where she worked in various industries. She later spent over 12 years as a cafeteria food service custodian at Taravella High School, retiring after a long and dedicated service to the School Board of Broward County.
Wanda was deeply passionate about many things in life, most notably her love for animals, nature, and reading. She and her husband, Voltaire, shared a special bond over their mutual love for birds and nature walks, often exploring local parks and taking in the beauty of the outdoors. Wanda was also an avid reader with a particular fondness for science fiction, horror, and fantasy. Her decades-long subscription to Reader’s Digest was just one example of her lifelong love of reading, and she enjoyed sharing this passion with her children, inspiring them to develop their own love for books and learning.
In addition to her love for literature, Wanda had an unparalleled affection for animals. Over the past three decades, she and Voltaire rescued numerous dogs and cats, providing them with a loving home. Their shared commitment to caring for animals was one of the many ways Wanda’s heart shone brightly. She also passed on her compassion and love for animals to her children, teaching them the importance of kindness and responsibility toward all living creatures.
Wanda is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Voltaire Soto, their three children Elisa, Teresa, and Joseph Soto, and her adoring grandson Jose A. Pagan. She is also survived by two siblings, Frank and Becky Cruz, and many other extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.
Wanda’s legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her passion for life, animals, and the written word will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have shared in her journey.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 15th, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Alexander-Levitt Funeral Home, 8135 W McNab Road, Tamarac, FL 33321 (954-580-3560).
To view the service via livestream please visit the link below:
https://www.shiva.com/fds2uk6u
What’s your fondest memory of Wanda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Wanda?
Share a story where Wanda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Wanda you’ll never forget.
How did Wanda make you smile?