Wendy Oliver Montini

Wendy Oliver Montini passed away in her home in San Diego, California, on September 12th, 2018. Born in Leesburg, Virginia on October 4, 1958 to Dr. Keith M. Oliver and Dr. Priscilla Foote Oliver, Wendy was the fourth of six children and the oldest of the three “little kids.” She enjoyed and excelled in practically every sport she participated in. Her passion was always gymnastics, but she also achieved the state championship in the high jump. She continued with gymnastics at Longwood College and then Radford College in Virginia, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Recreation Administration.

Wendy’s warm personality, complemented by her ease and grace, paid off in her career choices at Disney World and Hyatt Hotels in Orlando, Florida. Seeking new challenges, Wendy relocated to San Diego, California where she met Sam Montini, her husband of more than 26 years. While raising their family in San Diego, she held several jobs to include the San Diego Blood Bank and an event coordinator for Women on Course, a women’s professional golf organization. She also gave tirelessly during that time to continual fundraising and their children’s events throughout their school years from softball to soccer to cheerleading. At the age of 57, she challenged herself with a new career opportunity as a ropes course facilitator at University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She kicked off her new career flying high on the UCSD Ropes Challenge Course until her unexpected cancer diagnosis grounded her, forcing her to focus her positive energy and determination inward towards the ensuing challenge.

In addition to her husband Sam, Wendy is survived by her daughters, Gianna Priscilla and Mia Bella, who will always be her proudest accomplishments. She was always the biggest supporter of their impressive athletic, cheer and academic achievements throughout the years.

Wendy was known to many as true friend, who defined the words steadfast, genuine and kind. She never would say a negative word about anybody and was penultimate in putting others before herself. She has and will continue to inspire others to live every day to the fullest with dignity and pride.

Wendy is preceded in death by her parents and oldest sister Hope. She will be sorely missed by her remaining siblings Nancy, Faith, Susan, and Keith, and their spouses and children. Wendy was embraced and adored by all who knew her, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts of her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 5th at 10AM at the St Therese of Carmel Catholic Church, 4355 Del Mar Trails Road, San Diego, CA 92130. Immediately following the mass will be the internment ceremony at the El Camino Memorial Cemetery Sorrento, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92121 Valley followed by a luncheon.

Wendy volunteered and fundraised for 6 years spanning both of her daughter’s sports to include soccer and cheer. Two scholarships in Wendy’s name have been established for both soccer and cheer to raise money and provide the opportunity for needs based families to participate in these activities.

In honor of Wendy’s love for her daughters Gianna and Mia, the Wendy Montini DMCV Sharks Women’s Soccer Scholarship and Wendy Montini Torrey Pines Cheer Scholarship have been established in lieu of flowers.