"Retirement" Party

A grand cross section of the people Wendy touched through her professional and personal life gathered Monday night, July 12, to celebrate a life well lived. And live it she did, right up to the last moment. Wendy would have loved her ‘retirement party’. There was lots of good food, something to drink, lots of interesting people to talk with, and it was held in one of her favourite places (the Museum) and in the Whale Hall (another of her favourite places).

There was lots of laughing and fond remembrances and not too many tears. I couldn’t have asked for a better or more suitable send off. My heartfelt thanks to the staff at the New Brunswick Museum for making this happen so quickly. There was a short formal program, but most of the evening was spent reminiscing and remembering. And thanks to all the people who showed up to share their memories.

I’m sorry I’ve been so slow in writing this, but words escaped me this past little while and I found staring at a blank screen slightly depressing. Here are a couple of photos taken by our friend, Jim Robertson, from Red Deer.

Sisters Diane and Joyce, me, and my sister, Beth.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Arrangements for Wendy are being handled by Fundy Funeral Home (www.fundyfuneralhome.com). they have published her obituary and have set up a place for condolences and connections to the Canadian Cancer Society and The Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Many thanks to everyone who has sent emails of condolence or remembrance. It is comforting to know how well remembered she really is.

Harvey

Thursday, July 8, 2010

just one more chat
just one more hug or kiss
one more anything

A Celebration

A celebration of Wendy's life will be held at the New Brunswick Museum on Monday, July, 12, 2010, between 5pm and 8pm. Join us in honouring Wendy's life.

Harvey

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

I'm saddened to report that Wendy died at 3:45 am, ADST on this day in the Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John. New Brunswick. I offer my grateful thanks to the staff at the Oncology Department, the Emergency department, the Neurology Ward and the Palliative Care Unit for their timely, compassionate and professional care of Wendy during these past two and a half years.


Wendy has stipulated that there be no funeral. Her remains will be cremated and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. I will announce the date, time and place in this blog.


Although Wendy had cancer, Cancer never had her. She would not let it dominate her life or determine her course. For every moment of pain and despair she found a moment of light and joy; for every limitation, an open road to speed along; for every setback, a lifetime's worth of hope.


Anyone wishing to do so, may make donations in her name to the Canadian Cancer Society, and for you lefties out there, The Stephen Lewis Foundation. Failing these two, any donation in her name to any community based arts support group would also be welcome.

Wendy Martindale

August 1, 1952 - July 7, 2010

Update, Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Wendy was moved into Palliative care this morning. A much better place for her with more attentive care. She had several Grand Mal seizures this morning, but medication has stopped them. She remains unresponsive, but we talk to her and read poetry.

Local friends can visit her at the Saint John Regional Hospital, 3B North 62.

Harvey

Update, Monday July 6, 2010

Wendy was unresponsive to touch and sound this morning. The Palliative care doctor suggested a move from neurological ward to the Palliative care ward. Otherwise, Wendy is breathing well, has good blood pressure, and is in no discomfort.

Harvey

Another setback

Wendy fell out of bed this morning and hit her head. She's in hospital now with some cranial bleeding and is not doing very well. Over the past few weeks she's been geting progressively weaker. She had a CAT scan today and it showed very little change in the metastises in her brain and a recent chest X-ray showed little improvement in the cancer in her lungs.

She is resting comfortably and being looked after by compassionate professionals.

Harvey