On Saturday June 28th, a celebration of the life of Wendy Diane Maurer Thibeault, was held at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Virgil. Officiated by Pastor Janet Lee of  Virgil Methodist Church, and Pastor Jack Ford of McGraw Methodist Church, the celebration was a wonderful testiment to the spirit of Wendy.  Friends and family gathered to share in prayer, fellowship and remembering.  In keeping with the spirit of one of Wendy's missions,  guests arrived laden with canned good donations to replentish the food pantries of both Virgil and McGraw.  An announcement by Greek Peak General Manager Wes Kryger was met with heart-warming applause as he unvailed plans to keep Wendy's memory forever alive at Greek Peak by renaming a trail in her honor.  The service ended with those in attendance joining hands, and reciting a healing chant led by Sandi Marcin. There were tears shed, but also laughter, as those who knew and loved Wendy shared special memories and silly stories.   In another room people gathered to watch a music video slide show highlighting happier times in Wendy's life set to the music of  Bob Seagers, "Old Time Rock and Roll", and Brad Paisleys, "Ticks".  When asked how he choose the music, video producer and Wendy's friend, Tom Gath, simply stated, "it was just Wendy".  It is with those words that I will attempt to convay all the love that could be felt in the room that day, "it was just Wendy".

"Today We Got Together"

Today we got together to celebrate your life,

To share our funny stories, and share how you touched our life.

 I will admit we shed some tears, but there was also laughter,

 As we reminisced the years, and planned for what comes after.

For some those years were many, for others but a few, 

Yet every single person there was better for knowing you.

 You seemed to bring the sunshine when you walked into a room,

 You always took the time to cheer us, if we were feeling gloom.

Our lives will never be the same, now that you're not hear,

But you left each of us with a gift that we will hold quite dear.

 You left us love and friendship that death can not erase,

 You left us with our memories which in our hearts we will encase. 

Although I could not see you,

I know that you where there,  

I guess it shouldn't surprise me that you'd make your presence known,

After all it was your strong and loving spirit that made our father call you home.

It's clear that he must have a job that he could trust to only you,

So although we really miss you, our sweet memories will have to do.

Until the day we meet again in another place,

It helps to know your suffering has ended and you are forever safe. 

Wendy we won't forget you; or the lessons that we've learned.

So enjoy your place in heaven; a place we know you’ve truly earned.

                                                                     T.Olmsted