It is with great sadness that the family of Wendy Etheridge of Calgary, Alberta announce her passing on June 11, 2023 at the age of 69 years.

Wendy was born in Montreal, Quebec on January 25, 1954, to her parents, Harry and Helen, she was the younger sister to David. She grew up in Montreal where she finished high school at the age of 16. The family moved to a farm outside of Scotch Village in Nova Scotia in her late teen years. It was here she would foster a lifelong love for the province, oceans, and the coastal lifestyle. She made many lifelong friendships in Nova Scotia, and would return many times over her lifetime, including one of her last trips, where she attempted to visit as many lighthouses along the coast as she could in one day.

Wendy moved out to Calgary, Alberta in her twenties, but never left her Nova Scotian home behind. Her life changed significantly in the 80’s with the births of her three loving children. With a few years in Sparwood, British Columbia and many years in Calgary, she lovingly raised her family and children. Wendy didn’t always have it easy, but always said “The universe will never give you more than you can handle!” With that, she forged a path through life with the upmost dignity and grace. Wendy always put her loved ones first and would sacrifice anything and everything for those close to her.

Fittingly, Wendy began a lifelong career, caring for others in the early 90’s, where she started a day home to care for children. This afforded her the ability to be a stay-at-home mom for her own children, raising a family and providing stability for their life and hers. As her children got older and more self sufficient, she returned to school and completed her certification as a Personal Care Attendant, she began working at a nursing home in Calgary, where she found her true calling. The pride and joy she took in caring for other people, would push her through her career. As time went on, she wanted a more personal experience with her clients, this is when she began working in Home Care and was able to build stronger, more personal relationships with her clients. She developed friendships with them and their families, she made a difference in their lives and refused to let anyone she cared for, have a negative experience. Wendy continued to work as long as she could, ending in January of 2023.

Above all else, Wendy loved her family. There was nothing on this earth that brought her more joy, than watching her children grow up and start their own lives and families. Wendy was enamoured and overjoyed with the birth of her first grandchild and watching her daughter become a loving mother of her own. She was so happy to see Joshua get involved with wheelchair rugby and other accessible sports, she tried to be at every practice and game. Wendy was elated to see her youngest son Christopher, get married and welcome her daughter-in-law Adelle into the family with open arms.

Wendy was always there for her family, taking multiple trips to Vancouver Island with her husband Ward; taking random adventures, and learning all about lacrosse with her daughter and grandson; volunteering countless hours at wheelchair rugby tournaments with Joshua; cheering on Christopher at his pool tournaments, or simply just hosting family dinners. Rarely taking time for herself, she created a beautiful life for everyone around her. She was so proud to be Mom, and Grandma.

Wendy touched so many lives, and always had time for friends and family. She never turned down an opportunity to help. You could usually find her coming up with new ideas and projects in her sewing room. She volunteered her time and fabric to “Quilts for Survivors” a volunteer organization assisting the survivors of the residential schools. She was thrilled that she could contribute and make a difference. She had spent countless hours sewing for her friends, children and grandchildren and always had a project on the go!

Wendy was determined and beautifully stubborn, she was insistent to live life on her own terms and rarely let anything bother her, including her cancer diagnosis. She faced the hardest moments in her life head on and never gave up, managing to put a positive spin on everything. She was an immensely strong woman; she lived her life humbly and to the fullest. Her love and care for others was always prominent in her life. She made such an enormous impact on her loved ones, and she has created a legacy that will carry on for generations to come. Wendy found her peace in the end and was surrounded by her loving friends and family. Wendy, may you forever rest in peace.

Wendy is survived her husband, Ward; by her daughter and grandson; her sons, Joshua and Christopher (Adelle). Wendy is also survived by her mother in-law Bev, as well as numerous in-laws, nephews, their families, and countless friends.

Wendy was predeceased by her mother and father Helen and Harry, her brother David, and her father-in law Ed.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Wendy’s honour to the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation – www.aiwc.ca or Hope For Wildlife – www.hopeforwildlife.net