Wendy Ann Otway

Wendy Ann Otway, age 60 years, gained her wings on June 27, 2021 in St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hospice Unit, after a long and arduous 4 year battle with cancer.
Wendy was born in Fort William at McKellar General Hospital on December 2, 1960 to Gail (Carson) and Donald Otway.

Wendy started her career in Thunder Bay in the automotive industry before carrying on to Winnipeg and then Calgary for 20 years where she worked for Nestle Canada, Nortel Networks and Bell Canada. She returned home to Thunder Bay in 2007 working for Ornge Global Air and finally with Bombardier Transportation. Wendy enjoyed her work and was described as an exceptional worker and person with a high degree of integrity and work ethic and a dependable team player. Whether in the workplace or in the community, Wendy was known for her willingness to lend a helping hand wherever needed.

Wendy enjoyed traveling, her time spent at her trailer in Palm Springs, being a mother to her many dogs (her kids) over the years, and enjoying a glass of wine with friends. She will be remembered most for her kind heart. She was always the first to help others, no matter what anyone needed. She also volunteered her time with several organizations - Kids Help Phone, Juvenile Diabetes, Hospice Northwest, and others.

Wendy is survived by her father (affectionately known as “Pops”), Donald Otway; siblings, Joanne (Fred) Della-Mattia, Terri Otway, Darcy (Gabriella) Otway; nieces and nephews, Andrea (Colin) Kehler, Trevor (Kat Go) Zurkan, Bradley (Lauren) Della-Mattia, David (Amy) Della-Mattia, Carlee Otway, Kyle Otway; great nieces and nephews, Kirsten, Noah and Peyton Kehler, Hudson and Adelaide Della-Mattia, Chloe Trelinski-Fleming and Kayden Della-Mattia; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Wendy was predeceased by her mother Gail (Carson) Otway in 2012.

In honour of Wendy, donations may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, St. Joseph’s Foundation-Hospice and Palliative Care, and Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.

Wendy wanted to give special thanks to Dr. Habjan (retired), the doctors and staff of the Cancer Care Centre, St. Elizabeth’s Health Care, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hospice Unit, and all her friends who supported and helped her along her journey. Immense gratitude to Pam and Richard Audit for so lovingly taking in Jaxon and Jorgie to their home. In her words, “you were all amazing and I appreciate you all! Thank you”.

Cheers to you Wendy! May you enjoy your new wings.

A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3200 Oliver Road, presided by Rev. Rob Smith. Due to current gathering restrictions, please call Harbourview Funeral Centre at 346-9880 in advance if you wish to attend.