Wendy Anita Caton nee Sharpe passed away at the age of 80 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's and Multiple Sclerosis August 13, 2024, in Anacortes, Washington. She was born in England on July 23, 1944, to Herbert and Nancy Sharpe.

Wendy grew up in London with sisters Jill and Marian, before meeting her future husband, Reg, while working as a Lab Technician. Marrying in September 1963, a son followed 18 months later before the small family emigrated to Toronto in September 1965. Their goal of emigrating to Washington State (so Reg could become a Boeing Engineer) was realized in 1966. The couple's daughter was born in 1968, completing her family while she lived in Bellevue.

In the early-70s, after a short stay in Southern California, the Catons moved back to Washington State to become lifelong residents. It was here that Wendy began painting whimsical mushrooms, flowers and other scenes on small driftwood plaques which she would sell with great success at local fairs. Later, the family began boating, starting with a small sailboat on Lake Washington. As skills improved, the family sailed the southern Sound, eventually spending summers in the San Juan Islands where they enjoyed crabbing, shrimping and many happy days. Wendy also created the first orca windsock that flew over one of the many sailboats they owned. She was always vaguely dismayed that it flew upside down; years later orca windsocks seemed to make a surge among PNW sailors and all of them flew the same way.

Throughout her life, Wendy adored children. Her years as a young mother were spent volunteering as "Playground Lady", working in the school office and with the PTA, eventually being honored with their highest award, the Golden Acorn. She volunteered as her daughter's Brownie Troop Leader and then Girl Scout Leader. Wendy's love of children continued after she retired, volunteering at the local charity, Caring for Kids, where she eventually became director for a time. This came hand in hand with her volunteer work at the Red Cross, which took her and Reg cross country to help the Hurricane Wilma victims. Throughout life, Wendy was passionate and spoke out about social injustice, was an avid ACLU member and would fight for the underdog without reservation.

Wendy and Reg became long-time residents of Anacortes moving to Skyline in 1999 where she was instrumental in designing their dream home. As they settled into retirement, Wendy and Reg began traveling; their journeys took them all over Europe and the United States. Winters were spent in Bucerias, Mexico where they made a large group of dear friends from all over the world. Everyone who knew Wendy loved her. She was incredibly smart, with a bright light, beautiful smile and loving heart. Often compared to Julie Andrews, friends would remark how lovely her singing was. She was passionate about poetry and had an impressively large collection of poetry books. Wendy also enjoyed reading and belonged to a local book club for several years.

The final piece of her family puzzle was the addition of her two grandchildren. Wendy was thrilled to become "Nanny" and delighted in all their milestones. She often spent time taking them to the beach, teaching them life skills, occasionally babysitting and participating in their sporting and extracurricular activities. Wendy loved her grandkids; they could rely on her unwavering support in everything they tried.

Wendy is survived by her husband of nearly 61 years, Reginald Caton, son Andrew Caton and wife Mary, daughter Sharon Brunson and husband Dustin, grandchildren Kimberlee and Macartney, and her sister Jill Trueman. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister Marian Morgan.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to The National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation . A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. Bookmark this link to https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/wendy-caton to check for updates.

To share memories of Wendy please sign her online guest register on this site.