LAVALE - Wanda Lee (Emerick) Araiza, 78, of LaVale passed away November 8, 2019. She was born in Cumberland on December 7, 1940, and graduated in 1958 from Allegany High School where she was an Alcoette. While Wanda started and ended her life in the Cumberland and LaVale communities, she lived a life full of many adventures, always making a warm and welcoming home wherever she lived. Wanda was a strong and fiercely independent woman who devoted her time and energy to her family. Her role of mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend was one she cherished every day. Her family and friends will always remember her motto of "It is what it is." Her smile and hugs will be missed by all who loved her. She is survived by daughter Debra (Brad) Lare of Jeffersonton, VA; son Kevin (Kathleen) Merrill of Ottawa Hills, OH; daughter-in-law Katherine Merrill of Midland, MI; siblings Rose Dennison of Virginia Beach, VA, William (Buddy) Emerick of Cumberland and Donna Kay Burrier of Oakland, MD; beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; first husband Samuel R. Merrill of Phoenix, AZ; and many friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by parents William and Rose (Cross) Emerick; brother Ronald; second husband Jesus G. Araiza; and son Samuel R. Merrill, Jr. The family is deeply grateful for the kindness and comfort shown to Wanda in her final days by the medical staff at Western Maryland Health System. The family will have a private memorial service.