Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Vanessa Wilson
Our loving Vanessa Ersella Wilson traded her wheels for wings to become our guardian angel on Monday, April 17, 2023, holding the hand of her second mom, Tanya at CHI Mercy Health in Valley City, ND.
Vanessa was born in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, on January 19, 1980, to George and Ionie (Hendricks) Wilson. She lived her childhood years there until around the age of six when Hurricane Hugo hit the Caribbean. Her father brought her to the Anne Carlson Center for Children for a life more suited to her health and happiness.
As hard as it was for George to leave his daughter, he sought out special caretakers to give her the best attention. It was there where she was introduced to her best friend and “mother”, Tanya. The Sabinash family took her in and started traditions that lasted a lifetime. V spent most holidays and special events with family along with various others who treated her as one of their own. She lived and attended school at the Anne Carlsen Center for Children for 15 years. At the age of twenty-one, she transitioned to the Open-Door Center at Group Home Five in Valley City, ND. It was here that she enjoyed her work friends and housemates, specialty nights, baking, mini-vacations, and van rides. Vanessa had a big love for music and attended many concerts with various friends over the years. Her shopping habits didn’t go unnoticed as she was very generous to others, always wanting to pick out a special gift.
As we all know, there were things that Vanessa couldn’t do. She couldn’t walk, or talk, many things others take for granted every day. When some people looked at her, that’s what they saw – the things she couldn’t do. Vanessa was persistent in showing the things she could do. She had a smile that could light up a room, a laugh that the whole room could hear, a squeeze or handhold that could show she cared, and a sign to show she understood. She also taught us how to be happy because she took joy in simple things – joy in seeing her friends and family, and joy in living life itself.
Vanessa reminded us that most of our problems are not really problems, and to be grateful for what we have. She taught us the gift of unconditional love; loving even when it’s not easy, simply because you care. We believe that is the greatest triumph of any life; To love and to be loved. Her life wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t glamorous. V liked to add in her touch of glitz and glam wherever she could with her flawless complexion, beautiful smile, and bits of sassiness.
Vanessa was our rainbow. When you look up to see the blue skies, remember that it is only because we have endured the storm that we are lucky enough to see a rainbow. Through the tough times, the adversity, and the challenges; she shone through with a special light. It’s not fair that she shone brightly only for a short time. Yet we can be assured that like the rainbow, she was a blessing from above. May we never forget this beautiful gift, and honor her memory every time we look up to the sky, look past the clouds, and see the rainbow.
Vanessa is survived by her special family; Mike, Tanya and Taylor Sabinash, Kayla, Aaron, & Brynlee Rodin, Kolten, Danette & Stetson Sabinash. Biological siblings; Brothers: Jerord E Wilson, and Alvie James. Sisters; Carolyn Misonge, Anita Wilson-Allen, and Euella Wilson-Richards. Vanessa also has an army of loved ones including many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews who loved her deeply.
Vanessa was greeted in heaven by her parents George and Ionie Wilson.
A special thanks to many teachers, caregivers, and friends along the way at the Anne Carlsen Center for Children, Open Door Center, and St. Rafael.
Please send any memorials to the Anne Carlsen Center for Children in Jamestown, or the Open Door Center in Valley City, North Dakota.
Vanessa’s Visitation will be held one hour prior to the Funeral Service which will include a time for sharing that will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 3:00PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Kensal, ND.
Her Burial will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Kensal, ND at a later date.
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So sorry to hear of Vanessa’s passing. Sincerest sympathy to all your family.
So very sorry to hear of the passing of Vanessa. I feel so fortunate to have worked with her a few years back. Her smile brightened up a room in an instant and her laughter was contagious. She will be missed.
It has been many years since I worked at Open Door, but the news of Vanessa’s passing broke my heart!!! I encouraged her hobby of checking out all the cute boys and would go for walks when we could to check out any potential cuties! 🙂 I hope there was a shirtless man waiting for you in heaven Vanessa!
So sorry to hear about Vanessa passing praying for you and your family.
I just loved when Vanessa would come for a coffee or get her hair and nails done. Always laughing and smiling and so exited for her bling! Thank you for bringing joy to my life Vanessa.
I worked with Vanessa for many years at ODC. Her laugh and sense of humor was awesome. We had so much fun she gave the best hugs. I will miss that so much when I go to visit. I always made sure to bring her chocolate.
I am so sorry to hear of Vanessa’s passing. Hugs & prayers to all of you 💞
So so sorry I will try to come.
What a beautifully written obituary too. I didn’t know her. But it’s simple to see how affecting she was. Be blessed as you all mourn.
I have thought of Vanessa so much lately , I had the privilege of working for her for 9 1/2 years and memories of a lifetime. I’m sorry for your loss Tanya and families.
Kim (Schmidt) Stroh
I was her caregiver at the Anne Carlson school, then at Open Door Center. She definitely could light up a room, with that smile. What a beautiful soul.
Vanessa was such a Sweet Soul. I will miss her infectious smile & laughter that brightened my day as we visited at the Care Center where she lived across the hall from my Mother.
Sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to the Sabinash family!! You all did so much for Vanessa and I know how much she meant to all of you! <3
I only knew Vanessa a short time working at GH5 and she accepted me pretty quick and we got along pretty good. It took me a while to get to know what she was trying to tell me and what she needed but was always happy to see me. I will definitely miss her and her smile!
Mike, Tanya and family, sorry to hear of your loss. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you during this time.
So sorry for your loss. To all who lost a friend and their loved one, imagine everyday how she must feel dancing and having only wings to worry about now! V had such a great humor and contagious smile. I feel blessed that I got to know and work with her. Fly High girlfriend!!
Vanessa was such a vibrant person. Always smiling and yes, who can forget her infectious laughter. Although she could not speak, her many gestors indicted exactly what she wanted to say. She is definitely free now to fly with the angels. To God be the glory for great things he has done! To Tanya and the Sabinash Family may your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Vanessa was embraced into your family like one of your own. A special thank you to everyone who was instrumental in Vanessa’s care throughout the years. We are eternally grateful to you for the love and care shown to Vanessa. Thank you and thank you!!!!! May God continue to bless all of you.
So sorry to hear about Vanessa’s passing. When working with her at the Anne Carlson School, she had a smile, the biggest I’ve seen, and with a boy walking by, she would show the excitement of pure joy. I wished I would’ve went to see her at Saint Raphael. I heard she was giving the staff a lot of fun.
So sorry to hear of Vanessa’s passing. She has been a part of your family for many years and she was very blessed to have all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
I remember taking care of Vanessa at Anne Carlsen,her laugh n smile was so encouraging. Hugs for comfort to the family.
So sorry to have lost my friend. I got to know Vanessa at Open Door in VC. Praying for the family at this difficult time.
You will be greatly missed! Miss working with you, fly high! My thoughts and prayers to you and your family V!
So sorry
I wasn’t sure what exactly to put here, because I just don’t have the words to describe how special V was! She was was an amazing human being and she will be an amazing guardian angel to all those that she loved! I wish I had the words to describe her. She will Definitely be missed by many!