May 15, 1965 – June 5,2014
Wendy was born in Vancouver BC and passed away peacefully after a 21 month battle with cancer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox. She is survived by her son Calvin, husband Rick, parents Gordon and Sally, sisters Tracey (Russ) and Meg (Mike), brother in laws Peter and Ally (Leah), Calvin’s father Gary, and a large extended family.
Wendy spent her youth skiing at the family cabin at Whistler and enjoying many family summer vacations throughout BC. After attending university, Wendy chose a profession in Occupational Therapy. For almost 20 years Wendy was a highly respected occupational therapist in the Comox Valley. As clinician, leader, mentor and educator, she made a difference in the lives of many; her patients and their families, the teams she worked with and laterally led, and the students she guided and mentored. She played an integral role in developing specialized services for seniors on Vancouver Island and in particular in the Comox Valley and North Island communities.
She was passionate about spending time with her family and her friends and loved to cook and ski. She also took the extra minute to ensure that everyone was “OK”. Wendy’s happy place was Splash Mountain in Disneyland. She enjoyed various cruise vacations, trips to Mexico, wine tours, camping trips and boating trips to Desolation Sound. Wendy, Rick and Calvin spent their winters on Mount Washington where she was active in the alpine ski club. She just simply loved to ski. Her mountain home brought her much joy and was the place where she developed her passion for cooking.
Following her diagnosis, she battled through 32 rounds of chemotherapy yet still enjoyed a return trip to Disneyland, relished three ski trips in BC where she was able to cheer for her son Calvin on the ski race course. Wendy even skied off her season pass this past winter!!
Many thanks and deep appreciation to Dr. Wainberg and the other doctors, oncologists, surgeons, nurses and health care workers who were all integral members of Wendy’s health care team. Service will be June 21, 2014 at 1pm at Comox Valley Funeral Home on Ryan Road in Courtenay. No flowers please, donations in Calvin’s name to Mark Isfeld School Terry Fox Run September 2014. Her ashes will be spread in various places at a later date, possibly even at her “happy place!”