Wenda Anne McRae

Wenda was second of six children born July 24, 1952, in Washington DC. She was a 1970 graduate of West Springfield High School in Springfield, Virginia, and a 1975 graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

It was during high school, that Wenda first developed a love for theatre, and this passion would set the stage for her future career endeavors. She was a costume designer and her ability to bring people's visions to life, creating exactly what they wanted to wear, whether it be a creative costume or makeup design, was unmatched.

Wenda started her career in Key West, Florida, working for Green Street Theatre right after college. When she moved back to Northern Virginia, she managed Steins, a theatrical supplier in Arlington, and then managed Master Tuxedo and Costume in Annandale, for more than 20 years. She was also hired to do makeup for various shows at the Kennedy Center and also taught theater makeup classes at Fairfax County Schools summer programs for 16 years. Wenda was also the go-to person year-after-year to organize costumes for the annual Cappie Awards for area high schools. Her last role was working at Versar, Inc. As a Contract Administrator for more than 10 years.

Wend was the type of person who would tell you exactly what she thought. She wasn't very emotional and as a result, you never had to wonder where she stood on any given subject. At times, she could be overly direct but would also go to great lengths to take care of others and give them what she thought they needed. After theatre, her passion in life was animals. She took in so many stray animals through the years, finding homes for them and making sure they were cared for.

She is predeceased by her parents, John and Frances McRae, her sisters, Diane Cavagnaro Morcom and Bonnie Hardin, and her niece Shane Cavagnaro. She survived by her sister Leslie Reed, and her brothers, Sandy MacRae (Cindy) and David McRae (Leah). She was known as "Aunt Nenny" to her 14 nieces and nephews and 21 grand nieces and nephews, many of whom she created Halloween Costumes.

There was nobody like Wenda---while she was a bit crusty on the outside, she had a heart of hold on the inside. Her courageous fight with cancer was short, but she was strong every step of the way like she always was. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her.