The James Family
So sad to hear. Sending love.
Our lives changed the morning of October 6, 2023. The family of Wendy James lost their wonderful mother, grandmother, and wife. Wendy passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a brief battle with illness.
Everyone who knew Wendy experienced her warmth, selflessness, pride, and witty humour. She extended her warmth to anyone she met – she was never to busy to help someone out, or make sure everyone felt welcomed.
She was born in Elliot Lake February 5, 1960, into a large family. Her family moved to Kirkland Lake in 1964, and it is where she settled and started her life. She had two children in the early 1980’s and hereafter married William Conway. Wendy’s children were her pride and joy. The accomplishments of her children throughout their lives sparked pride in her and were always celebrated and shared with family and friends. It was only after Wendy became ‘Mama Wendy’, did anyone realize how much love and support, she was capable of. Countless hours were spent in cold arenas watching and cheering on her granddaughters while they played hockey – she loved every freezing second of it. Watching any of her grandchildren taking part in sports or other activities that they love, being with them for holidays or gatherings, or just spending time with them was special and important. Her warmth and devotion to family are a testament to her character, proving that humor and love are her greatest strengths.
Wendy enjoyed reading, spending time in her garden, camping with family, walking with her Jack, watching her grandchildren, helping with a meal or two, and countless other small gestures of love. Wendy has a unique talent for finding humor in the everyday, and her quick wit is a gift that keeps on giving, brightening the lives of those fortunate enough to have known her. Her ability to respond to any situation with a clever quip or playful jest will be greatly missed.
Everything Wendy did was done with a purpose, solid values, and work ethic. She worked at Central Public School where she cherished her time there, spending time with students was one of her favorite things. She took pride in her work - always going above the call of duty with whatever she took on. She made sure everyone felt involved, seen, and was quick to offer a helping hand, all the while making sure even the smallest details were not forgotten, because the smallest things make the biggest impacts.
Wendy’s children, Penny (Nick) and Chris (Kelsey) are rich in blessings of growing up with, and being celebrated by, the most selfless and incredible mother imaginable. She guided by example and showed us all how to live this life. Wendy’s 7 grandchildren love their Mama Wendy completely, and each have treasured memories of her that will stay with them forever.
Living in Kirkland Lake and nearby Penny, Nick, Madison, Suri and Quinn, Wendy was able to spend quite a bit of time watching them all grow up. She did not see her out of town family as often, but the time she spent with Chris, Kelsey, Alise and Harper in Bracebridge was no less special or treasured.
Despite the physical distance between Wendy and Williams children, Darby (Jen) in Petawawa and Megan (Mark) in Toronto, she maintained a connection with her grandchildren William and Kathleen ensuring they felt her love from afar.
The loss of Wendy to her family is immeasurable. In her own gentle and humours way, she was our leader, our role model, our rock, our Mama Wendy. We can’t imagine life without her and her endless love for each of us.
Donations in Wendy’s memory, if desired, can be made to the Central Public School Snack Program. Donations can be sent via etransfer to momphlox@gmail.com “In trust of Bonnie James” using the password “Mamawendy”; alternatively, donations can be made at Central Public School in Kirkland Lake.