Boquete, Panama - Wendy was born in May 1955 to William and Sheila Waldron. She was the sister to an older brother, Billy, and younger sisters, Luci and Stacey.

An endlessly curious adventure seeker, Wendy was fond of new experiences and relationships. Some of these brought risky consequences; others, delightful surprises. Those who knew her would agree she excelled in humor, courage, resilience, advocacy, generosity—and, first and foremost, love.

One could often expect a dramatic entrance from Wendy, such as riding a horse into a friend's restaurant in Boquete, crashing her cousin's 50th birthday party while wearing a fat suit with a bikini, or bringing a live piglet to a friend's wedding toast.

After an education at Northrop Collegiate School, Miss Porter's School, and the University of Pennsylvania, Wendy indulged her wanderlust exploring the world, including North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia. During her travels, she fell in love with Panama and, in 2003, built a home in Boquete facing a lush valley and Volcano Barú. She also acquired mountainside property, building The Lost Waterfalls hiking business, which is one of the top tourism destinations in Panama. Her love of animals, particularly dogs, led her to create a funding feature of her business to support animal welfare in the area.

Beneath Wendy's pointed opinions and extroverted antics was a sensitive spirit. She expected and delivered loyalty to her closest friends. Throughout her time in Panama, Wendy expanded her family to include friends Susam and Kirk and their children. Their loyalty, support, and love for Wendy made her life in Panama richer and fuller. Wendy's happy place was in Panama, and with their help, she made it home just in time. Wendy passed at home, surrounded by her family and dogs, in January 2026. She will forever be in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life is planned for May 16, 2026, 1:00 PM at Woodhill Country Club, Wayzata, MN.

Donations to Wendy's animal rescue foundation can be made via Wendy's PayPal account @WBURTON698.