It is with profound sadness we announce the death of Dr. Wendy Lyn Grant, who passed away in North Vancouver, B.C. on December 1, 2022. Wendy was born on March 25, 1956 in Lethbridge, Alberta, and was the daughter of her loving adopted parents Marshall Nelson Grant and Margaret Josephine Metcalf.
Wendy is fondly remembered for the deep connections and lifelong friendships she forged through the academic achievement and the pursuits she held so dear. Her early years were spent on the prairies, where her extraordinary talent for music and piano performance became clear.
Wendy studied music at the University of Lethbridge, and earned her Masters (1990) and PhD (1998) at the University of Victoria. Her outstanding dedication to her field of study was recognized when she won the Governor General’s Gold Medal for her master’s thesis, a study of the trio sonatas of Henry Purcell, who was Wendy’s most beloved and influential composer. Wendy presented papers internationally and performed frequently as a soloist and accompanist on piano and harpsichord.
Wendy dedicated 22 years to Capilano University’s music program, teaching in both the Music and Theatre Departments. Dr. Wendy, as she was affectionately known, was loved and admired by many members of the faculty, and students, who would stop by her home for parties filled with music, food, stories, and laughter. Wendy loved teaching, most specifically, the connections she shared with her students, some of whom became dear friends after graduation. Wendy participated in a number of committees at Capilano, and also served as coordinator of the music program. A significant highlight of her time at the university was serving as a chaperone with the Cap Singers choral group on their biannual European tours.
Wendy was a loving and generous person, who was passionate about making a difference in people’s lives. The Saturday Lunch initiative, run through Highlands United Church in North Vancouver, was a specific passion of hers. Helping build a sense of community through food and conversation brought her joy. Through Highlands, Wendy also made many dear friends, who loved and supported her throughout her time in North Vancouver.
Wendy formed deep connections with people wherever she went, most specifically in Lethbridge, Victoria, and North Vancouver. She cherished these special relationships and was grateful to have her dear friends by her side, offering support and love throughout her diagnosis.
Wendy was a proud mother to Chris, and dedicated her life to his development and upbringing. She was his biggest supporter, and encouraged and nurtured him in every aspect of his life. She was particularly proud to watch Chris marry his wife, Pippa, in a beautiful ceremony in the backyard of her Lynn Valley home on July 28, 2022.
Wendy is lovingly remembered by her son, Chris Brentlinger-Grant and his wife, Pippa Reed, and the many friends, colleagues, and students whose lives she touched. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver, on Saturday December 17 at 1pm. The service will be livestreamed, and details will be made available soon, via a link posted on Wendy’s Facebook page, or upon personal request from Chris.
Our family is deeply appreciative of the outpouring of love and support from Wendy’s friends, neighbours, colleagues and students.
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