Wendy French

Dorothy “Wendy” Marlene French passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on August 17,1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Wendy dedicated her life to creating a welcoming and nurturing home for her husband, Charles, and their 3 children.

Wendy’s devotion to her Catholic faith took root at an early age while attending St. Leo’s Grade School in downtown Milwaukee. She loved exchanging prayer cards and saying the rosary. As a young girl growing up during the depression, Wendy would hear the train whistle in the distance, and dream about someday going to far-off places. After high school graduation she went to cosmetology school and became a beautician. Eventually her longing for adventure couldn’t be ignored. In 1952 she and her girlfriend, Dixie, headed cross-country to California in a car that couldn’t drive in reverse! As she started her new life in Los Angeles, she worked hard to pay her $50/mo rent as a switchboard operator and then again behind the shampoo bowl which she loved! At this new salon there was already a Dorothy, so she had to pick another name. She always loved “Wendy,” and it stuck! She joined “Kappa Lamda Phi” women’s business sorority where she met lifelong friends. She enjoyed the music, concerts, and dances of the LA 50’s scene. She once met Doris Day at the Farmer’s Market and often frequented the Brown Derby. “Those were the days” she’d say! Then in October of 1960, she met Charles French at a dance social. A week later, they were engaged, and by December, they were married! They resided in Monterey Park, CA, for 9 years, where all 3 of her children were born. Wendy and her family moved to Tustin in 1969, Denver in 1978, and then back to Orange County in 1981. Mission Viejo is where they ended up and where Wendy called home for over 40 years. St. Kilian was her home parish, and she enjoyed teaching CCD and helping for many years with their annual Lenten fish fries. Wendy loved the opportunity to be at home raising her children. She filled her free time with China painting, bowling leagues, bridge clubs, cooking classes and hosting parties. Wendy was known for her delicious meals and incredible baking skills! Everyone asked for her recipes, which she gladly gave out. Eventually, she began working part time back in the hair industry and had missed that fast-paced fun environment. Charles and Wendy loved to travel and enjoyed trips to Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Ireland, France, and Germany to name a few. In 1992, Wendy became a volunteer at Mission Hospital, serving for over 20 years. Wendy’s utter pride and joy came from her 6 grandchildren. They called her “Nonny,” and she showered them will love, affection, words of wisdom, laughter and taught them about Jesus. She worked hard to recover from a stroke last year and was able to meet her first great-grandchild this last fall. Wendy was known for her quick wit, charming personality, culinary skills, style, fun parties, and love of chocolate! Wendy had spent the last 7 years living at Ivy Park of Laguna Woods where she made fast friends, organized several teas and was on the welcome committee, of course! Everyone who knew Wendy loved her. She will be profoundly missed by all of us.

Wendy was preceded in death by her husband, Charles in 2016. She is survived by her brother Donald Nenning, 3 children, Brian, Valerie (Anthony) and Jackie (Frank), 6 grandchildren, Tess (Aidan), Christopher (Rebecca), Shawn, Devon (Nick), Scott and Max, and her new great grandchild, Mason.