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Wendy Lesley Saunders, nee Smith was born in Walsall 0n 10th May 1943, the eldest of two daughters born to Kenneth and Ivy Smith.

When at primary school age, Wendy with her family moved to live in Wolverhampton. She was a pupil at St. Michael's Junior School, Tettenhall from where she passed her 11+ examinations and then attended the Wolverhampton Girls' High School. In 1959 Wendy was successful in passing seven subjects at GCE 'O; level, namely English Language, English Literature, R E, Maths, Physics with Chemistry, Biology and Greek and Roman Literature. She attained passes at 'A' level in the subjects of R E and Biology in 1961.

At the age of fifteen a romance blossomed between Wendy and Ivor and they became engaged to be married when Wendy was 17 years old. Miss Scargill was the Headmistress at the time, and Wendy was summoned to her office where she was told that nothing could be done about her engagement as far as the school was concerned but she would not be allowed to wear her ring in school.

There was another occasion when Wendy contravened school regulations. Each Friday afternoon Ivor would meet Wendy after school and take her home on his motorcycle. This required Wendy to wear a crash helmet in place of her school hat. That did not go down well!

On March 2nd 1963 Wendy and Ivor were married in St. Jude's church, Tettenhall Rd. Wolverhampton. In 1965 and 1967 respectively Wendy gave birth to Stephen and Philip who she dearly loved and was always proud of them.

Upon leaving school in 1961, Wendy commenced employment as a Civil Servant but upon the birth of her first child, Stephen, was required to resign from her post, there being no maternity leave in those days. However when both sons were of school age Wendy had a career change and worked as a laboratory technician at Codsall High School.

It was a proud day for Wendy when she became grandmother to Abbie in August 1999. Abbie's birthday parties were great events with Wendy climbing and then descending the 'bouncy castle' very elegantly. Roan, Aaron and Una are Wendy's other grandchildren but sadly over the past three to four years prior to her death she was never able to enjoy fully the joy grandchildren can bring because of her illness. With regard to family, Wendy was always proud of her two sons and their wives and family and all that they accomplished.

March 2013 marked Wendy and Ivor's Golden Wedding which was celebrated with family and friends. Until recent years Wendy enjoyed cooking and always eager to try out new recipes. Ivor is now saying he wished he had paid more attention to the way things are done.

Wendy went about her life in a quiet and unassuming way and was committed to everything she was asked or called to do. She was a Christian and had been a member of St. Jude's church since she moved to Wolverhampton as a child. In due course she became a school governor at St. Jude's Primary School and at St. Jude's Church cared for many babies and toddlers in the crèche, many of who are now married with children of their own.

When it came to household finance it was Wendy who kept the books and ensured she and Ivor never got into debt. That was one of her many strengths which is probably the reason she was assistant church treasurer for some years. A former curate of St. Jude's church, the Revd Richard Moy, commented how Wendy was a valuable member of the leadership team at the church, working with children, finance and generally keeping the team's feet on the ground.

God gave Wendy the ability and gift of being able to engage with people and she was a good listener. This no doubt led to her calling to train and be a counsellor with the Christian organisation 'CARE' (Christian Action Research and Education). This led to her being a volunteer and member of the Chaplaincy team at Compton Hospice for 16 years as well as being part of the Pastoral Team at St. Jude's.

Wendy was a lovely lady who loved the Lord Jesus and was committed to serving him in his church and community. In 2009 Wendy was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and then in 2011 diagnosed with Lewy Body Disease Dementia. She died on August 22nd 2014.

Ivor Saunders (husband)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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