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Wendy, petite and perennially youthful, was appropriately named for the character in Peter Pan. She was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Dorothy Hagan Mahler. She is loved and will be sadly missed by her brother, Doug Mahler, her sister-in-law, Jeanette, and her niece, Megan Mahler. Wendy enjoyed spending all the traditional holiday celebrations with her family.
After graduating from the University of Western Ontario and working for a year at Imperial Oil, she realized that business was not her true calling. As the teacher she became, her ability to connect with young people was clear and she was naturally drawn to the field of Special Education. She taught in several Toronto secondary schools eventually becoming a Special Education consultant. Wendy retired from 33 years in education as the Vice-Principal of North Toronto Collegiate.
Wendy was the beloved aunt of Megan Mahler, and she was also the much loved ‘Auntie Wendy’ to the children of her good friends—Susan and John’s daughters, Kendra and Kristin; Lilla and Locksley’s daughters, Leah and Alison; and Jeanette and Carl’s son, Kai. These children were blessed from birth with Wendy’s undying affection and attention.
With her friends, Wendy enjoyed Ladies' Christmas every year since 1970. Wendy’s participation in ASSET (Association of Secondary Special Education Teachers) developed lasting friendships with colleagues and after retirement they continued to ‘do lunch’ and travel together.
On retirement, Wendy left Toronto and purchased her heritage home in Cobourg. The historical importance of the town and its charming old homes struck a chord. With her enthusiasm and innate ability to create beautiful things, she set about decorating her new home. She also reached out to local organizations and volunteered her skills and time to Victoria Hall, Cobourg and District Historical Society, the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. She chaired the Heritage Committee and co-ordinated the Cobourg Garden Tour in aid of Big Sisters. She was honoured for her work with several civic and provincial awards. Through these experiences, she made more close friends—wonderful, warm, talented women who enriched Wendy’s life.
Wendy was independent, endlessly inquisitive, a knowledge seeker, a defender of the truths that defined her life. She believed dancing should be the only mandatory form of exercise. She loved to debate—the causes she held dear—or whatever issue happened to rise to the surface in her presence. She was relentless in the pursuit of what she valued, and frankly, just enjoyed a good argument.
Wendy was thoughtful, generous, loyal, fun-loving, a joy to be with and exuded warmth. She laughed and cried freely. Her talents were numerous. She knitted, taught herself to quilt, sewed, created a garden that was admired by all, and had just begun a course to improve her already considerable skill at drawing.
Wendy would wish to thank her family and those who have lent their support and brightened her days during these last challenging months—most particularly Dr. Emma Smith who offered much more than her medical expertise, the staff of Ed’s House, who provided such care and comfort and her many friends who visited, called, sent flowers, dropped off meals, decorated her porch, got her groceries, made her masks, drove her to appointments... Wendy was especially grateful to have found a loving home for her two cats with her friend, Judy Skelton.
If desired, memorial donations to the Victoria Hall Volunteers or Ed’s House in Cobourg would be appreciated. Please leave a message on Wendy’s memorial wall through MacCoubrey Funeral Home, Cobourg which has been entrusted with arrangements. As Wendy requested, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Wendy will be missed by every one who knew her. Her friend, Susan, called her Queen—an apt name.
My Aunty Wendy was a wonderful woman. She was a role model and friend and a beloved part of my family. I can’t say how much I miss her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Victoria Hall Volunteers
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A life well lived but ended far too soon. I consider myself fortunate to have known Wendy. My deepest condolences to family and friends.
We remember Wendy as being energetic and vibrant and are saddened by her passing. We send our sincere condolences.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I don’t believe I had the pleasure of knowing her majesty, but she sounds incredible.... exquisite even! My deepest sympathies for the void left behind to all that love Wendy, your Queen xo
When Wendy (or Ms McQueen as I first knew her) was retiring from North Toronto Collegiate, I was honoured to get to say a few words of heartfelt thanks at her retirement assembly. I was about a minute into my speech when I burst into tears, unable to imagine having to return to high school and not have her near. I’ve been fortunate to have continued to benefit from Wendy’s support and mentorship these last 22 years since and now find myself struggling to imagine a world without her in it. To say I will miss her is nowhere near sufficient. The world was a better place because of Wendy McQueen and it will never be the same without her. My deepest condolences to all who loved her.
I had the absolute pleasure of working in Wendy's gardens over the past few years. She was so wonderfully warm and vibrant, funny and creative. I adored her. We would often share stories, favourite music, pictures and plant knowledge. I'm so grateful to have known her, she was truly a special person who will be greatly missed. My condolences to Wendy's family and friends.
I have made a donation to Ed's House in memory of Wendy, a lovely lady whose presence at Victoria Hall Volunteers will be missed by us all.
Our condolences to Wendy's family. Wendy was a committed member of the Victoria Hall Volunteers and a good friend to many. We all benefitted from her energy, enthusiasm, work ethic, and knowledge. We will miss her. A donation has been made in Wendy's memory on behalf of the Victoria Hall Volunteers to Ed's House.
Wendy's curiosity, tolerance and enthusiasm during restoration and renovation of our home, next door, were always proverbial. But never more so than one day, 10 years ago. After weeks of noise, dust, heavy equipment and workers in and out of our house still in a state of ruin, there was a huge crash. Something upstairs had malfunctioned. Any detritus raised, I was sure, blew straight into Wendy's open windows. Dismayed, I went over to apologize and assure Wendy that this was only temporary. At her door, Wendy beamed at me and said, "Oh, I don't mind all the dirt and dust! I think this is so exciting! May I come over and have a look, what are you doing?" Some people make the world more special just by being in it.
To Wendy's family: You are grieving the loss of a shining star, the community grieves the loss of a dedicated and passionate "activist" for the causes our Wendy believed in and friends grieve the loss of a caring, dynamic and openhearted woman amongst us.... Our deep conversations along the way remain with me and your spark for life will continue to inspire. Rest in peace Wendy. You will not be forgotten. Love, Madeleine
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
DONATION A memorial donation has been made to Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre.
I enjoyed working with Wendy on planning projects with ACO Cobourg. Always lively and creative discussion. Wendy’s bright smile will be missed!
My sincere condolences to the family on the loss of Wendy. I was her tap dancing teacher for a few years and she was always a bright light in the class. She was dedicated to her dancing and was always a delight to teach.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
What a gem of a woman! Wendy and I started to teach at the same time, in the same school in Toronto. After 50 plus years of friendship, I will miss her a great deal. Anna Gray
I had the utmost pleasure of knowing Wendy at Curves we shared many stories opinions and laughs she was a special kind of lady...she will be dually missed..my heartfelt condolences go out to all who loved her...
Wendy was a lady with a big smile, warm personality with a spring in her step whenever I saw her. A supporter and regular at Northumberland Film Sundays afternoon movie shows at Rainbow theatre. I was saddened to read of her passing. Our community has lost a very giving lady. Alma Draper
Wendy, you were such fun to be with. I will never forget the times we stayed up half the night sharing stories and laughing, or our shopping route that always included a stop at Herma’s. As a vice-principal you had the heart of a special education teacher—you always recognized the goodness and potential of every student. I so admired how you encouraged students to change their behaviour so that they could reach their true potential. You liked kids and you showed it. Thank you for your friendship. Rest easy.
Wendy was a warm, wonderful, lots of fun, friend with class, who impacted so many people, young and old, in her fascinating lifetime! We were all blessed to have known her. My best wishes to Wendy's friends and family and she will live in our hearts and memories forever. I treasure my times with Wendy and she was always positive, engaged in life, talented and had great taste!
It was always a pleasure to meet with Wendy in the Concert Hall office - so upbeat and friendly. She made you feel good just by talking to her. A lovely lady who will be sorely missed.
Wendy’s quiet resolve and generous spirit touched me deeply. Volunteering with Wendy at ACO and attending a toe-tapping jazz concert with her remain happy memories. Barb Robins
I appreciate the chance to read these lovely words about Wendy's life. I learned much about her through them. I already knew about her boundless smile and upbeat energy though. It didnt take a person long to learn about that! Just a few minutes of contact with her would teach you that she was a lovely lady. Sorry I didnt get the chance to know her better and sorry for your loss , friends and family of Wendy.
My sincere condolences to all of Wendy’s family & friends. She was a gem of a woman whom will be missed by any who knew her. God speed 🙏🏼
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
I’ve met Wendy several times over the years as she was good friends with Jane and Stan Frost. I always remember Wendy to be a fun person, very nice a cheerful. My condolences to family and friends. Her presence I’m sure will be greatly missed in Cobourg and beyond.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Victoria Hall Volunteers
Although I only knew Wendy for a few years through my work with the Victoria Hall Volunteers and more recently with ACO Cobourg & East Northumberland, I came to love and respect her for her dedication and expertise. She took on the job of Secretary on the Board with enthusiasm and diligence. She offered her home to us on numerous occasions which was such a pleasure for us as she always baked something scrumptious. She also allowed us to have our Christmas party there in 2018. I was also a neighbour of Wendy's and in the last months I was on call for deliveries of pet food and groceries. I was amazed at how she approached her diagnosis with a calm serenity, still maintaining her sense of humour. I miss her terribly already but I know that she was at peace because she died in the way that she wanted. For this I am comforted.
Dear Doug, I am sorry. Wendy was a very dear friend. Her smile & ready laughter, her spirit & her goodness will remain alive in my memories & in the hearts of all who knew & loved her. I know how close you were, how much you loved each other. I only wish there was something I could do to help heal the sorrow of her passing. My thoughts & sympathies are with you at this sad time. Please convey my regards & best wishes to your family. Love, Lilla.
Wendy - a joy and privilege to know her - her smile will live on in our hearts - God Bless
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre