HORNBY, Wendy Lee Finkenbinder of The Vinings, passed away suddenly but peacefully at the young age of 74 on June 10, 2018 with her family by her side. Wendy was born in Honolulu, HI, where her parents were teachers and Wendy developed a deep love for the culture of the Hawaiian Islands. She moved to California as a child but frequently vacationed to Hawaii and always kept a warm spot in her heart for the Islands. A very special memory was a 2017 trip where she took her children and grandchildren and she was able to share her love for the islands with the people she loved the most.
Wendy was educated at the University of California, Berkeley. Upon graduation, Wendy moved to Pasadena, where she married and had their son, Christopher F. Hornby. They moved to Ohio and then Michigan, where daughter, Jill Karena, was born. The family moved to St. Petersburg and then Boca Raton, FL where she had a wonderful career in marketing with both the Sun Sentinel and then Siemens. From there she moved to Atlanta, GA and worked in Marketing with Elekta, Inc. continuing to build on her success. She retired and has since been enjoying time with family, her photography and cooking.
True joy came from spending time with her children and especially her grandchildren. She was never happier than when she had the opportunity to watch them participate in gymnastics, soccer, swimming, baseball, softball, school plays, special friend’s days, horseback riding, grandparent days and the list goes on. She would have the grandkids individually spend the night with her to ensure they knew how special they were and these times were precious to the children as well.
Wendy is known by friends and family alike as one of the most generous, caring, loving, thoughtful, people you will ever meet. Each friend sees Wendy as her “sister.” She was preceded in death by her mother Hedvig Rice Finkenbinder and father Malburn Lee Finkenbinder. She is survived by her cousin who was more like a sister, Jan Brazier, of Sun Valley, Idaho, and Son Christopher F. Hornby (Amy); Daughter Jill Wirka (Billy); Grandson Joey Wirka and Granddaughters Sloane Hornby, Violet Hornby, Macey Wirka and Cate Wirka, all of Dunwoody, GA. Wendy has chosen to be cremated with her ashes spread over Oahu, the same as her father before her. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at H.M. Patterson and Son – Arlington Chapel; 173 Allen Road, NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Immediately following will be a celebration of life at the Chapel. Wendy would be honored if you wore something Hawaiian or similar to her funeral and reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to CHOA Sibley Heart Center at http://give.choa.org and MDE School at https://www.mdeschool.org/donate-today/.
