It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Wendy Patrick on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. She ended this life held by her husband and daughter in the home they shared.
Wendy was preceded in death by her parents Lewis and Virginia Willming and her brother Leonard Willming. Wendy will live in the memories of her husband of 45 years Dwyne, her daughter Darcy Rae her son in law Andreas and grandson Henry and brothers Dennis and Timothy Willming and their families.
Born in St Joseph, Michigan, November 22, 1952, Wendy was a Michigan Kid and proud of it. She was a Benton Harbor Tiger and a Michigan State University Spartan. She grew up in a rural area surrounded by fruit farmers. Peaches cherries and apples were just part of her DNA. She had deep roots in the Michigan soil and lots of family she loved. She has three brothers, Dennis, Leonard and Tim and many aunts, uncles and cousins who were all important to her.
She left Michigan in 1976 for southern California settling near San Diego in Leucadia to get away from winter, and to have an adventure, the best decision she ever made in her words. There she met and on October 6, 1979 married Dwyne. Wendy had roots that grew deep in California too with cousins she was close to who had moved there as well.
Wendy followed her mother into Hospitals, managing Health Records and after moving to Ontario, became a Master Trainer for the WaterArt aquatic fitness system. She took great pride in being an excellent instructor helping others become healthier and teaching others to teach. She also rode a recumbent bike and played racquetball then later pickleball, making many friends across the nets. She enjoyed fishing, a good game of cards, Pinochle, euchre or pitch or a game of dominoes. She loved to bake, especially Christmas cookies, would always make homemade Mac n cheese.
Wendy was a singer. Her voice was a gift to hear, she loved to sing and enjoyed choral singing. Silent Night on Christmas Eve was one of her favorites and her voice rang out beautiful and clear. Wendy loved to sing to Henry and he will remember her singing solo to him, at least until he started singing with her this year. That was a duet she cherished more than any choir and one Henry adored.
Wendy and Dwyne moved through 45 years of marriage, 17 addresses, 5 US states, and 2 Canadian provinces always together. In Pennsylvania they added a daughter Darcy Rae. In Manitoba a Son-in-Law Andreas Sturzebecher and a Grandson Henry settling into a home they shared together. Wendy is so loved and will be sorely missed by those whose life she touched.
A livestreamed celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at Crossings Funeral Care.