Dr. Gwendolyn "Wendy" Furst

Born in Mineola, New York in March of 1955 to parents John "Jack" Furst and Beatrice "Jane" Douthart, Wendy grew up as the youngest of four sisters. Her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she attended Central High School. She then attended the University of Arizona and Colorado State University, studying to become a veterinarian. Wendy dedicated her life to caring for animals and the people who loved them. Her compassion, skill, and gentle nature touched countless lives—human and animal alike.

Outside of her work, Wendy found joy in gardening, traveling, Disney adventures, and spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her kindness, her generosity, and the warmth she brought to everyone she met.

Wendy is survived by her daughter, Jane (husband Adam) Smart, and her cherished granddaughter, Paisley. She also leaves behind her three sisters, Judith, Barbara, and Margaret, with whom she shared lifelong bonds of love and laughter. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ricky "Rick" Thomson.

In accordance with her wishes, Wendy will be cremated. A small family memorial will be held in Pagosa Springs, Colorado to celebrate her life and lay her to rest beside Rick.

Her memory will live on in every garden she tended, every animal she cared for, and every heart she touched.