Wendy Lee Rose

Wendy was born August 16, 1969 at the US Air Force Europe Hospital in Wiesbaden, Germany, where she was adopted by her adoring parents, Lt. Col. Donald G. Browning and Nanci DeBord Browning. The complete family of four, including older brother, William Dee Browning, moved back to the United States on military orders shortly after her adoption and she was raised in Hampton, VA for the remainder of her childhood.

Wendy was a multi-talented, creative, and gregarious young woman from an early age. She was a dedicated Girl Scout, accomplished competitive horsewoman, and award-winning acrylic painter. She attended Samuel P. Langley Elementary School and later graduated from Kecoughtan High School. She attended First United Methodist Church in Fox Hill VA. The promise of tropical paradise and her sense of adventure prompted her move to Southwest Florida in her early 20s, where she proceeded to create a life and family that ultimately became her greatest accomplishments.

Above all else, Wendy treasured her precious family. She was a loving wife and partner to her husband, Michael, and a proud, devoted, and loving mother to her children, Sierra [Jeroen Poelstra and grandson Kai Poelstra], Savannah, and Jackson. Those who knew her well knew that while she held many titles over the course of her life, her greatest title of all was ‘Mom.’ This role was promoted to ‘Mimi’ just two weeks prior to her passing, with the birth of her first grandchild.

Wendy’s spirit was most at home when spending time with her loved ones in the great outdoors. Whether carving down a snow-covered mountain, exploring a serene hiking path, or walking the beach at sunset, she embraced life with joy and courageousness that inspired everyone fortunate enough to meet her. This same inspirational spirit lives on in the people she leaves behind.

She is survived by her husband, Michael; her children, Sierra, Savannah, and Jackson; her mother, Nanci DeBord Browning; her brother, William Browning; and her grandson, Kai Poelstra; father-in-law, Roger Rose; mother-in-law, Carol Rose; sister-in-law, Sheryl Rose and niece, Amanda Wiley.

Wendy enjoyed attending Celebration Beach Church [Naples, FL] and Snowmass Chapel [Snowmass, CO] with her husband and her faithful dog Bailey.

A Celebration of Life will be on Sat August 1, 2026, from 9am -11:30am on the Marco Island Princess Ship (951 Bald Eagle Dr,

Marco Island FL 34145). Parking available all around the Rose Marina and/or across the street on Bald Eagle Dr. The ship will be at the dock from 9am-9:30 and again from 11am-11:30am for those who can’t stay the whole time. It sails the nearby waters from 9:30am-11:00am. If you plan to join us for the cruise, PLEASE be to the boat before 9:25am. Continental style breakfast and drinks provided. Boat attire like shorts and collared shirts preferred (no suits or formal wear). It’s enclosed with restrooms and some outdoor space too, so it sails rain or shine (unless it’s storming). We need a headcount so please follow this Facebook link https://www.facebook.com/share/1Bc4ovkSdK/ and let us know if you are coming.

In lieu of flowers, Wendy’s request is that loved ones consider donating to Arbor Day Foundation | Tree Planting Non-Profit [https://www.arborday.org] or Patty Baker Humane Society Naples | Animal Shelter Collier County [https://pbhsnaples.org], both of which causes Wendy was an avid supporter.