Memorial trees planted for:
Lawanna Lyn Wickam
<p>Lawanna Lyn Wickam, 68, of La Grande passed away on May 21, 2024, at her residence. Lawanna was born November 18, 1955, in Baker OR, the first daughter to the marriage of Robert C and Wilma M (Francis) Wickam. She joined 5 older half siblings from Roberts’ two previous marriages. Three more girls were born into this marriage, Lalonni (Lonni) in 1958, Lalessa in 1961 and Laletta in 1964. Four more half siblings were added to the family from Roberts fourth marriage. Making a total of 12 siblings for Lawanna.</p><p><br></p><p>She had beautiful blue eyes and curly hair with a smile that lit the world, she immediately stole everyone’s heart she graced with a “look”. When Lawanna was around the age of 17 months, she developed an extremely high fever of 107-108. Unable to control her temperature she dehydrated which left her with the mental capacity of a young toddler.</p><p><br></p><p>When Lawanna was around 7 years old, on the advice of medical professionals, family and others, she was placed in Fairview State Hospital. The family visited her whenever possible, taking her to lunch and shopping. She lived there until early 1974 when mom had her transferred to Pendleton State Hospital to be closer to the family in Eastern Oregon. She lived there until she was moved into a group home in Bend around the mid 1980’s.</p><p><br></p><p>In February 1989, Lawanna moved to La Grande into one of New Day Enterprises’ group homes. She lived in several New Day’s group homes over her 35 years living in La Grande.</p><p><br></p><p>Lawanna and Lonni had many adventures. There were quite a few Wallowa Lake trips where they stayed in a cabin for a few days just chillin’. Many Oregon Coast trips and Oregon Zoo visits. Lonni’s immediate family would sometimes join them, making it a real family trip. She even rode the tram at Wallowa Lake once with the encouragement of her great niece Amber. A lot of Elgin Opera House plays were attended. Which was always a family affair with Aunt Lawanna and included dinner before or after.</p><p><br></p><p>In 2011 Lawanna and Lonni flew to Florida joining their sister Lalessa and stayed at Disney World and visited other tourist attractions in Florida. The next big adventure for the two of them was flying to Las Vegas, Lawanna loved music, especially Elvis. If Lawanna saw or heard an Elvis impersonator when they were walking the strip, off they went until she found him.</p><p>In July of 2015 Lawanna, Lonni, and Lonni’s granddaughter Amber rented a Cruise America RV and drove to Yellowstone. That was quite an adventure, with visiting all the tourist attractions on the way there and on the way home. In June 2021 Lonni and Amber took Lawanna and a housemate to Boise for an overnight stay, a visit to the Boise Zoo and the movies, that was a fun trip.</p><p><br></p><p>Lawanna attended many Wickam family reunions through the years.</p><p><br></p><p>Lawanna is survived by her large family either by blood or by love. She was preceded in death by both her parents and two older half-brothers. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her but we’re so happy she is free.</p><p><br></p><p>There will be a graveside service at 4 PM on Monday September 23, 2024, at the Mt Hope Cemetery 910 South Bridge Street, Baker City OR 97814. Following the service there will be a dinner at 2405 Estes St. in Baker City.</p>November 18, 1955 - May 21, 202411/18/195505/21/2024
Share Obituary:
Lawanna Lyn Wickam