Wendy Kropelin (Strand)
August 13, 1961 – August 31, 2021
With broken hearts the family of Wendy Lee Kropelin (Strand) announce her peaceful passing after a brief and courageous battle with cancer on August 31, 2021 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre surrounded by family and so much love.
Wendy had many interests and an abundance of joy in her life… probably none greater than her grandchildren Spencer and Sophia. They brought a whole new level of love to her world whether playing, baking, sneaking an extra treat to them, just hearing about their day, and receiving a new picture or note.
Wendy married her true love Todd in 1987. He became her favorite dancing partner and they have shared a wonderful life together. They had their son Jeff in 1992 and life was busy. Wendy loved the busy life of being a sports mom and put countless supportive hours in alongside Todd. Jeff’s marriage to Nicole and their children completed the happy family and brought such pride to Wendy watching the love grow.
Wendy shared a love of fishing and camping with Todd and enjoyed time with their friends at Amesdale. She was known to not want to come back to town for any reason. Time in their trailer and relaxing in the sun or around a campfire made her happy. Wendy enjoyed quiet time in her home with a never ending supply of puzzles, crocheting material, and spent many hours baking. When not with Todd, Jeff and family, Wendy could certainly be found with her other half… her sister Gayle.
Wendy and Gayle have shared a bond not matched by many others in this world. They faced some tragedy early on in their lives that put them on a path of supporting one another. They then found such a like-minded life that they were never far apart. Traveling or gambling, playing bingo, doing puzzles, shopping, spending time at Doug and Gayle’s camp or just spending time having coffee; it never mattered what they were doing as long as they were together.
Born and raised in Dryden, Wendy worked for the Bullock’s at their service station before starting her career and retiring from the Credit Union after 29 years. She formed special bonds with members and coworkers alike.
Wendy was predeceased by her parents Edwin and Jeanne Strand, guardian parents Uncle Arthur “Bud” and Auntie Elaine Trist, and parents-in-law Harvey and Lea Kropelin. Left to mourn and carry so many special memories in their hearts are husband Todd, son Jeff (Nicole), grandchildren Spencer and Sophia, sister Gayle (Doug) Gawley, niece Shannon Thompson and family, nephew Shawn Hutchison and family, Doug Gawley Jr. and family, Brad Gawley and family, in-laws Laurie (Mark) Thompson, Anita (Gerry) Broere, Tim (Kyla) Kropelin, Suzanne (Ken) Walske, Corrine (Doug) Lund, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Extended family Jocelyn Gagne, Maurice Smiegielski and so many dear friends.
We extend our heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nursing staff who cared for Wendy during this difficult time.
A Celebration of Wendy’s Life will take place on Thursday September 9th , 2021 11am, at the Minnitaki Cemetery with Pastor Alex Timm officiating.
In lieu of flowers, if friends and family desire, donations can be made to the DRHC Oncology Unit Dryden through the Stevens Funeral Home. 50 Albert Street Dryden, Ontario P8N 1H7. Condolences may be posted on Stevens Funeral Homes Facebook page or www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
