Wendy Marie Pitchess

Wendy Marie Pitchess (Marquand), passed away peacefully on August 14, 2024 at her home in Newport Beach after a valiant several-year battle against Alzheimer's Disease. Wendy was surrounded by her family when she passed.

Born Wendy Marie Marquand on February 28, 1944 to Ethel and Myron Marquand of Arcadia, California, Wendy was one of four siblings: Judy Snider (Marquand), Chris Marquand and Michael Marquand. She attended Arcadia High School, Pasadena City College and the University of Southern California where she earned a degree in Social Work and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Wendy made several life-long friends from her sorority.

It was Pasadena City College in 1961 where she met the love of her life - John Paul Pitchess. Their first date was a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game followed by a date to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Rodeo. They were married in August of 1965 in Arcadia, California. They ultimately had three children: Peter John Pitchess II (1967), Julie Secrist Browman (1969) and Kathleen O'Connell (1975). In 1973, they moved to Irvine, California where they raised their family. Later in life, Wendy and John moved to Big Canyon in Newport Beach, California where they lived until her death.

Wendy was very active in several charities including: being a founding member of the Parent/Teacher Organization of at Bonita Canyon Elementary School, American Heart Association, National Charity League, and the Trojan League of Orange County where she hosted an annual reception for students admitted to USC.

Family was always Wendy's first priority and passion. She was ever-present at her children's, 8 grandchildren's and nieces and nephews' important life events and sporting matches. Her passions was gardening. She always maintained an exceptional yard at her beautiful home in Irvine and she ultimately formed a gardening business called Blooming Borders with friends Karen Bunch and Patty Allen. She ran Blooming Borders for over 20 years.

Wendy is survived by her husband John Paul Pitchess, children Peter Pitchess (Teri), Julie Secrist Browman (Taylor) and Kathleen O'Connell (Michael) and 8 grandchildren: Ford Secrist, John Pitchess, Siena Secrist, Katie Browman, Saidel Pitchess, Preston Pitchess, Logan O'Connell and Caiden O'Connell; her three siblings and 11 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Wendy will be held Saturday, August 24, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Pacific View Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625. Following the funeral service will be a graveside committal service from 3:15 PM to 3:30 PM at Pacific View Mortuary & Memorial Park, 3500 Pacific View Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92625.

Reception following the service

The Browman Residence

2045 Port Bristol Circle

Newport Beach, CA 92660

Wendy would be honored to be remembered by contributions to Hoag Memorial Hospital Foundation: www.hoaghospitalfoundation.org