The Dunkirk community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Wanda Karyl Hartley, 68, whose life was tragically cut short in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday evening, April 21, 2026, along Solomons Island Road near Lothian, Maryland. Her sudden passing has left her family, friends, and all who knew her in deep sorrow, as they grieve the loss of a woman whose presence brought light and love into so many lives.
Wanda was born on May 10, 1957, to the late Thomas Sr. and Joan Lester. She was the beloved wife of Jonathan “Pepper” Hartley and a devoted and loving mother to Elizabeth Hartley, Zachary Hartley and his wife Christine, and Leah Melton and her husband CJ. She was also a proud and adoring “Nanny” to her cherished grandchildren—Lennon, Matilda, Cam, and Quinn—each of whom held a special place in her heart.
She is survived by her siblings Trinita Duncan and her late husband Richard, Patrick Lester and his late wife Laurie, and Bonnie Coughlin and her husband Scott. She was preceded in death by her siblings Amy Leaf and Thomas Lester Jr. Wanda also leaves behind many extended family members and dear friends who will continue to carry her memory forward.
Wanda was known for her boundless kindness and radiant spirit. She had a remarkable ability to bring warmth into any room and to make others feel welcomed and valued. As a mother and grandmother, she was truly unmatched—deeply nurturing, selfless, and endlessly loving. Her family was the center of her world, and she was often described as the glue that held everyone together.
Beyond her family, Wanda was actively involved in her community and formed lasting connections through her generosity and compassion. She cared deeply about the world around her, demonstrated not only through her everyday acts of kindness but also through her commitment to environmental responsibility, including her passion for recycling.
Her absence will be felt profoundly, not only in the lives of her loved ones but in the broader community she touched so deeply. She will be remembered for her love, her laughter, and the countless ways she made life brighter for others.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Wanda’s life at the Arbutus location on Saturday, May 2nd, from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.