Wendy Humphries (3 Feb 1939 - 10 Dec 2023)

In loving memory of Wendy Humphries who sadly passed away on 10th December 2023 aged 84 years.

Wendy was a loving wife, mother and also friend to many over her long and happy life.

After a childhood in Sussex, loving life on the South Downs in Findon with her horse Rex and her border collie Lass, Wendy started her training as a nurse in Littlehampton. She qualified as a State Registered Nurse in the early 50s and spent her early nursing career at the Royal Sussex in Brighton.

After meeting David in her teens, and enduring the long separation while he completed his National Service in Canada, they were married on 25th July 1959 and started married life in Headington, with Wendy working at the John Radcliffe while David finished his degree at Oxford University.

Post university, Wendy and David settled in Hampshire and their daughter Sarah arrived in 1965 with their son Charles following in 1969. Wendy was extremely proud of her children’s achievements both during their school days when she was a very attentive and committed parent but also when they both continued into their respective careers; Sarah to Law and Charles to Music. She particularly enjoyed supporting Charles in all his musical endeavours-wherever they might be and was always up for a trip to a European concert venue to show her support.

Wendy cultivated some beautiful friendships over the years. Whether on the school run (Sandra) or with neighbours (Hazel) there were always many who called Wendy a good friend. A particular and longest friendship was with Marlies. They originally exchanged letters as penpals in 1960 and from that initial exchange developed a friendship over the next 60 plus years which became more like a family link with visits, celebrations of marriages, holidays and tours filling the years, against the steady continued exchange of correspondence, documenting lives well lived and shared loves and interests.

As well as holidays in Germany, Cornwall and Switzerland were also favoured destinations. Cornwall was an Easter Holiday staple when the children were young and always allowed everyone to relax and enjoy some good sea air and beautiful views. Switzerland was the honeymoon destination. Some thirty years’ later visits to Grindelwald were resumed and, right up until very recently, the annual ten days in Hotel Kirchbuhl celebrating their wedding anniversary were an absolute highlight for both Wendy and David. A five year spell in Melbourne, Australia with David’s job was a wonderful opportunity for them both to indulge in cultural delights and also travel around the whole continent.

Wendy’s lifelong love of gardening and her green fingered skills meant that every garden she took on was a riot of colour and flowers-and Howard Road is no exception. Wendy also had a particular soft spot for Border Collies and was always loyal to the breed. Lass, Meg, Whisper, Moss and Smudge were all much loved and devoted to Wendy-but there was also a place in her heart for her favourite ever cat-Brutus-who thought of himself as a dog anyway really!

Retirement in Dorking was a very active one. There was plenty of time for holidays to visit Marlies and Grindelwald as well as to explore the US when visiting Charles. Wendy also spent time with her dear cousin Trevor and got to know his grandchildren which was a great pleasure for her. The garden was developed and the greenhouse was a particular delight. The local area and its beautiful views and gardens were much loved and visited and, latterly, garden centres were particular places of pilgrimage. David and Wendy remained a devoted couple and in 2019 fondly celebrated 60 years of marriage with family and friends, also receiving a splendid card and greeting from Her Majesty.

Wendy’s faith was an important part of her life; in particular combined with the spiritual and musical aspects of worship in Guildford Cathedral. Wendy and David were devoted attendees and the glories of the Cathedral on a summer Sunday just before Evensong were a favourite for Wendy.

Wendy sadly passed away after a few weeks of declining health, when she was no longer able to be active and outgoing; but in that time she was able to spend good time with her immediate family and friends, who supported her greatly. May she now rest in peace.