Wendy Ann Gillette

Wendy Ann Gillette (nee Stahl) was born on February 8, 1968 in Ilion, New York to Willard and Joan Stahl. She had 7 sisters and 3 brothers. She moved to the PNW in 1981 and finished high school at the Institute for Extended Learning in Spokane, Washington.

She married Lawrence “Larry” Gillette, and had three children- Matthew, Marcus, and Mykel Gillette.

Wendy was an avid craftswoman who loved to quilt, sew, crochet, knit, and embroider. She made blankets, custom Christmas jammies, scrunchies, towels, and everything in between. It was always a guarantee that she would load up anyone having a baby with handmade baby blankets and burp cloths; and would made her grandchildren anything their hearts desired- dolls, clothing for the dolls, embroidered shirts for their birthdays and first days of school, etc.

She also loved to bake and cook- with her signature dishes being her potato and macaroni salad, Hawaiian rolls, bread, and monster cookies. She was always up for trying a new recipe even if it didn’t turn out in the end.

The beach was her favorite place in the world, and she loved going on adventures. From day trips to find waterfalls, weekends at the beach with her friends, to cruises.

She fiercely loved her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She went above and beyond to never miss a birthday, school event, or holiday. She was loyal and loving, while also being firm and lending wisdom. She was always ready to listen and give advice and showered those she loved with care. Affectionately known as “Mimi” to her grandchildren, she regularly had “Mimi day” where she took all the grandchildren for the day to spend time together and go on adventures. She was the kind of woman who would show up unannounced with gifts she bought for you- clothing, laundry soap, your favorite soda, snow boots, jackets for the children. Anything you might have mentioned to her in passing that you needed, or she knew you would be needing soon, or something that she knew you liked.

A viewing will be held Thursday, February 20, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service, 605 Commercial St. SE, Salem, Oregon 97301. A Celebration of Life service pending date & time will occur.