Kristine




Kristine Wendell

57, passed peacefully on February 20, 2020 at Wellington Terrace in Fergus, Ontario, with family & friends at her side, due to complications related to Progressive Primary Aphasia, a rare early-onset dementia. An exquisite life force taken prematurely, our precious Miss Daisy, finally as free as a bird, has flown the wire.

Born September 1, 1962, Kristine grew up in Waterloo in the welcoming home of her adoptive parents Harry and Marie Wendell. As a young woman, Kristine’s passion for music led her to first work at Sam the Record Man, and then with Terry Brown. These early experiences in music-recording retail ultimately saw her become co-owner of the now iconic Encore Records, an entrepreneurial endeavour that created a 25-year success with business partner Mark Logan. Long-time customers will recall her consummate advice on what band or musician to listen to, accompanied, at times, with the flash of a mischievous grin and giggle. A dedicated supporter of the music community, she promoted many fledgling careers. In more private times, her pursuit of beauty saw her embrace art & film and find joy in the innocence of children & animals, including her much-loved feline companions Bella and Harold. She loved to laugh with confidantes during life’s sillier moments. Along with a quirky sense of humour, she is remembered for her open heart and endearing sense of wonder.

A cherished friend, beloved sister and adored aunt, Kristine is survived by brothers Steven, John and Peter, along with their spouses, and nieces and nephews.

A genuine, heartfelt thank you for the compassionate and dedicated care Kristine received goes out to: every amazing member of the Cedar Gorge care team at Wellington Terrace and the supportive resident families; the Sunnyside Young Onset Dementia Program and Dinner Club staff; the kind program volunteers and hospice visitors who reached out; the honourable CCAC home caregivers & student helpers who went above and beyond; Social Worker Lindsay Wilson and the Waterloo Wellington Alzheimer Association; Kristine’s steadfast Fairview Avenue neighbours; and her loyal, dear friends and family.

Donations in support of the KW Humane Society or World Vision’s Sponsor A Child program are welcomed in Kristine’s honour.

Wendellina, you are our candle in the wind.