Wendy was a true Sarasotan -- her parents and two sisters moved to Florida in 1954, where she attended elementary and junior high as well as Sarasota High School (Class of 1963), where she was a cheer leader as well as first chair cello in the state’s best high school orchestra. She later attended Florida State University, studying English and French language, graduating in 1967.
Shortly after graduating from FSU, Wendy became a Pan America stewardess, which took her all over the world and created a permanent travel wanderlust. In 1967, she married her first husband, and gave birth to her much-loved daughter in 1977, Emily, while living in Reston, VA. For the rest of her career, she worked in the fast-paced travel industry, managing and owning an agency and working as an agent. She soon became an expert in the Sabre Travel Reservation System used by major airline carriers throughout the world, and taught many colleagues how to use the system. In 1987, Wendy reunited with an old high school friend, Richard (Dick) Poulos in 1987. They were later married and remained together as soulmates until her passing.
Visiting foreign cities was always one of Wendy’s passions; she had a particular fondness for Paris, France, which she visited many times during her life. She was artistic with a deep appreciation of art, classical music and film, and literature. She was gifted in interior design, and put her skills to good use, designing and building several of her own homes. She was inspired by the clean lines of Scandinavian furnishings and modern impressionism and figurative art. She also loved mysteries and solving puzzles. There was also no bigger Florida State Seminoles football fan than Wendy.
Wendy’s favorite way to show her love for her friends and family was by hosting dinner parties. She was a gourmet cook of world cuisine, creating elaborate meals of all kinds with organic ingredients sourced from scratch. She was fond of making Jewish recipes due to her Ashkenazi heritage -- from matzoh ball soup to latkes to brisket and more – and occasionally puzzled her family by serving these dishes on Christian holidays. Christmas was Wendy’s favorite holiday, which was never complete without beautiful displays of Christmas decorations and a fresh tree loaded with gifts beneath (which each year we called, “the prettiest tree ever”)” Wendy was the only person we knew who wrapped every single present in her daughter’s Christmas stocking!
In addition to her kindness, warmth and generosity, Wendy was known for her remarkable sense of humor – a witty and observational style that never failed to make others chuckle. Her brand of low-key humor put others at ease, and she was often the life of the party. She loved animals, particularly “apple-head” Siamese cats, and gave generously to animal charities. Her home was never complete without a feline companion.
Wendy is survived by her husband, Richard (Dick) Poulos; her daughter, Emily C. Smith; her sister and brother-in-law, Amy Nalven Connell and Dan Connell; her aunt, Barbara Nalven; and her beloved cat, Tinker.
A graveside service for Wendy will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, May 19 at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34232.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hope For Paws, Vintage Paws Sanctuary or any charity of your choice.
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