Wendy Huntington Rueda

Although she lived with various forms of cancer for more than 15 years, Wendy had a full life shared with her family, friends, and terriers. After growing up in Woodbridge, Virginia, she earned a BA at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and then finally moved to Washington, DC. She shared a house with her husband and daughter, for more than 30 years in Adams Morgan where she loved to be. She will be buried at St. Paul’s Rock Creek Cemetery, only a few miles from home.

In spite of staying close to where she grew up, Wendy traveled widely. She spent many holidays in Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata, Argentina, with her husband’s family. She enjoyed trips to the Delaware shore with friends and family. Once, she even got as far as Beijing, China.

Only 4 months prior to her death, Wendy fulfilled her desire to travel to Mexico City with a close friend. While there, she insisted on visiting the grave of Diego Rivera, located in a restricted area of Panteon de Dolores where Wendy was delighted to elude the groundskeepers.

In addition to traveling, Wendy had many passions that kept her well informed. She was an avid reader and her nightstand remains stacked with different books. Thanks to her love of current events, popular culture, politics, sports, and the arts, she always made the effort to have a night out planned. One of Wendy’s favorite places was National’s Park, where she attended many games and concerts.

Due to her superior writing and interest in research, she gravitated to the healthcare field early in her career. She considered her work at the National Cancer Institute, particularly as liaison to the White House’s Office of the First Lady, the pinnacle of her professional life.

Outside of work, Wendy believed in supporting various philanthropic causes related to homelessness and education. Proud of her own education, she wanted to create opportunities for others. She served on the board of the Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School for five years until she died. Contributions can be made in her name to the Washington Yu Ying and the Capital Area Food Bank.

Wendy is survived by her husband Guillermo (Willie), her daughter Rylie, her brother William (BJ), her sister Lynn, her father-in-law Guillermo (Guillo), her many nieces and nephews, and her Border Terrier, Rex. She was especially proud of her daughter Rylie, a division 1 fencer at Boston College and the University of the Incarnate Word.

Everyone lucky to be part of Wendy’s life knew her curious nature, quick wit and irreverent sense of humor. She placed a strong emphasis on staying positive and spent much of her time focused on others – listening, providing support, and always making them laugh. This never changed.