WINDSOR, Wendy Anne (nee Patrick) - Peacefully, and surrounded by love, Wendy Anne Windsor (née Patrick) took her final breath on the morning of Sunday June 7, 2020, at the age of 64.
Her incredible strength and compassion will live on in her children Matthew (Fanny) and Mallory – as well as her two beloved granddaughters, Maggie and Violet.
Always one to take the weight of the world on her shoulders, Wendy's deep compassion motivated her to abandon her pursuit of higher education in order to support her mother and younger siblings. She left high school, taking on whatever jobs she could at the time – from working at a truck–stop diner, to cleaning bed pans at long term care facilities – always putting the needs of her family above her own.
It was only through her enduring strength of will and sheer determination that Wendy built her incredible career as Director, Global Research Publishing at RBC Capital Markets. Hers was an unheard of accomplishment for a woman with no formal post–secondary education in her field, completing equivalencies by studying on her own while raising two children who wanted for nothing. Her skill, work ethic, and attention to detail were admired by friends and coworkers alike, and served to always push others to do their best.
When, in 2017, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, that same strength and determination continued to astound both her family and medical team. Faced with a dire prognosis, Wendy fought a heroic battle to win back her independence after five months of hospitalization and rehabilitation. She set the goal to return to the home she so dearly loved, and defied all odds by succeeding, living there independently for the next two years.
Wendy refused to allow her illness to define her or to drag her into despair. Instead, she focused her energy on the blessing of knowing one’s time is limited, and by spending it with her family.
In her final weeks, Wendy relinquished that hard won independence, choosing to spend her days surrounded by her family’s laughter and love, and fighting through her illness to allow those close to her to give their final goodbyes.
Though she will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, and siblings – Gail (Geoff), Donna (Michael), Jimmy (Mary–Ellen), and Alex (Nicole) – it is with a lightness that she leaves her pain behind and joins her mother and father – Mable and James – on the other side.
Her family asks that if you are so moved, you make a donation in her honour to Hospice Simcoe who took such compassionate care of her in her final days. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/hospice-simcoe/#donate-now-pan.
Arrangements entrusted with Thompson funeral home, Aurora.
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