Wendy Williams - who passed away today
If you would like to record your thoughts/memories of Wendy please add a comment to this post. Wendy was a long standing member of KAOS who contributed hugely over the years and entertained all with her wonderful voice. KAOS as a group will miss her terribly and individual members will feel her loss in many many ways
July 5th, 2011 at 06:23 pm
It is such a sad day. Wendy was a lovely lady with a gorgeous voice and a sparkle in her eyes. She entertained audiences for many years and i can honestly say that she will be greatly missed by all
July 5th, 2011 at 09:04 pm
Wendy has been an inspiration to me in so many ways . I have always admired her professionalism as an actor/singer she was so wonderful to work with . I could never tire of hearing her beautiful voice. I know our audiences will miss her greatly. On a more personal level I will never forget the love and support she gave me when I lost my own Mum just over two years ago. I will miss so many things especially our chats when I dropped her home after rehearsal. She truly was a wonderful lady and I feel so very privileged to have known her . God bless you Wendy forever in our heart xxxx
July 6th, 2011 at 06:36 am
When I sang for a short time in Kaos and played in the orchestra as a school girl Wendy was a legend. There wasnt a show go by that she didnt have the leading lady part. She was a talented lady
July 6th, 2011 at 12:31 pm
For all of us at KAOS this is a very sad time. Wendy typified what the society was about not only by her own performances, but by the support and encouragement that she offered to others. Always a wise counsel she will be greatly missed. On a personal note I had the great pleasure of spending time with Wendy and Vic and many others on a KAOS boating holiday a few years ago and the many evenings filled with laughter are a very fond memory.
July 6th, 2011 at 02:27 pm
From time to time I have been privileged to meet a genuinely talented person, full of grace, a passion for life and with a keen sense of fun. I shall always remember Wendy as such a person.
It seems almost impossible that we first met so long ago – Wendy has been an integral part of KAOS for virtually the whole of its forty year history and I have been exceptionally honoured to have worked with her in so many capacities, both on stage and off during this time. Wendy’s dedication and keen interest in the Society has been an inspiration for all of us. But mostly she will be remembered by both the Society Members and our audiences alike as a wonderful actress, great to work with and possessing a beautiful singing voice that it has been our pleasure to listen to for so many years.
Probably one of the things I shall remember most about Wendy will be her complete professionalism. Always completely engaged in the role, word perfect and unflappable – even when I managed to refer to her by completely the wrong name on stage on one particular occasion that I remember! Well, Mimosa and Miranda both started with the same letter – this is my only defence - and I didn’t even realise the faux pas until Wendy came up to me in the wings with a big grin on her face and suggested that this might just have been a little confusing for the audience! This is just typical of the way that Wendy took everything in her stride – a true example to us all.
Losing Wendy is such a tragic shock – it is hard to believe that she has passed away so soon after performing on stage with us at the end of April this year. To her devoted husband, Vic, the Society is indebted for his unfailing support in getting Wendy to and from rehearsals over all these years – behind every great lady, there is a great man – or so the saying should go on this occasion. To Vic and their two boys, David and James, my deepest sympathy at this sad time and I hope that you will all take some comfort in the knowledge that everyone who knew Wendy, or watched her perform on stage, will hold her in high esteem in their memory – truly a lady to be proud of.
May she rest in peace - with a song in her heart!
God Bless you all.
Mike Stevens,
Founder Member, KAOS
July 6th, 2011 at 04:34 pm
I have often stood in the wings and listened to and admired Wendy singing. She was an inspiration to us all in KAOS, always the professional with very high performing standards.
I remember a boating holiday several members of KAOS took including Wendy and Vic. On the wet days and most evenings we would sit playing card games and sampling the many different varieties of wine and beer that used to appear from Wendy’s and Vic’s bottomless suitcase! Wendy was also a very hospitable hostess at the barbeques which she and Vic frequently held.
My heartfelt condolences go to Vic, David and James.
Rest in peace, Wendy, you will be sorely missed. xxx
July 6th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
I will always remember Wendy for her dignity compassion and charm.
I first met Wendy at KAOS in the role of Katisha, a daunting pivital role which she took in her usual unflappable stride. She was an inspiration.
She had a pure beautiful voice and a quiet dedication to KAOS which I greatly admired.
She was a truly a “Woman of Worth who can find? For her province is far above rubies….” Proverbs 31.
I will miss her.
July 7th, 2011 at 08:37 pm
So much has been said already that is a wonderful tribute to a lovely, talented and unassuming lady. She had a wonderful singing voice and always performed to the highest of standards. A great role model for aspiring performers.
She will be greatly missed
July 9th, 2011 at 06:52 pm
I have not known Wendy for as long as many of the other KAOS members, but even over the short time I did know her, I can honestly say she has been an inspiration.
I remember when I first joined the society, Wendy was one of the first people I got to know. Every time I spoke to her, she had something interesting to say and was always interested in what I had to say. She told me not to give up with following my interest in professional Musical Theatre and said she looked forward to following my career!
When I first heard Wendy sing, I was in complete awe of her. It was always a pleasure to sit near her in rehearsals and listen as she danced effortlessly over the top notes with absolute ease and grace.
I shall miss Wendy greatly and my thoughts and prayers are with Vic and her two sons in this time of grief as it all seemed to happen so quickly and without warning.
Wendy shall always be held fondly in the hearts of those who have had the privilege of knowing such a wonderful and talented woman.
It has been an honour, thank you Wendy. xx
July 13th, 2011 at 07:50 pm
It is with great sorrow that I learned of Wendy’s passing last week. Words alone cannot comfort or support the members of her close family who are grieving at this time. My sincere condolences to James and David, I know that Wendy was so proud of you and all your achievements in life so far. To Vic, her husband, simple words cannot express how you must be feeling at this sad time, but know that you are all in our thoughts and in our prayers; we are always here if you need us.
Wendy was a beautiful singer and over the many years that I have known her she was always held in high esteem for her faultless rendering of the more difficult singing parts in the kAOS shows. She was one of those rare people who was a great support to young, old, new and past members whenever advice was sought. She was always warm and welcoming. Yes, Wendy always had a twinkle in her eyes, but never more so than when she was playing her favourite roles on stage. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her; the audience, for the beautiful singing; the cast, for her support, friendship and guidance, and her friends for just being her.
One of my fondest memories of Wendy was when she and Vic joined us on a canal boat holiday. One of her stipulations for coming was that there was a bed long enough for Vic so that his feet did not stick out at the end. Needless to say we found a boat and the 14 of us enjoyed a blissful week on the canal system in the midlands. We were treated to some very unusual beers which were in endless supply, thanks to Vic! Hic!
I will always carry such fond memories of Wendy that will live on for a long time to come. Thank you Wendy for being a good friend.
Much love xxx.
July 15th, 2011 at 01:37 pm
Yesterday was a day of both sadness and joy. Sad because our dear friend Wendy has passed on and joy at so many people gathering together to celebrate a fantastic ladies life, which was cut too short. I have many fond memories of Wendy which that I will always remember. I shall miss her sitting in the corner of the dressing room quietly looking over her libretto and score, her calmness when I am absolutely sure she was petrified. Then there was her beautiful soprano voice. She once said to me “I’ll be down in the alto’s soon if I continue to get alto parts!” There was never a cross word except when her patience ran out while we were hanging around for a producer to decide what and where to place everyone! I’m pretty sure she will looking down on us and laughing.So, my thoughts and love go to Vic, James and David at this very sad time, but I know Wendy wouldn’t want you to be sad. Thank you Wendy for your love, friendship and beautiful singing, never to be forgotten xxxx
July 15th, 2011 at 02:25 pm
Wendy was a great inspiration not only for her professionalism but also of course for her stunning voice. I cannot begin to say how much and how often I wished for an ability even vaguely approaching hers, whilst at the same time acknowledging that such gifts are not dispensed lightly. She was always available to offer comment or advice when requested, and I also greatly admired the total lack of an ego that is a common companion to such ability.
She was was also never afraid to laugh at herself and often had an amusing tale to tell. I remember when KAOS sang at a church hall concert some years ago and someone came rushing up to me afterwards to tell me what a wonderful voice I had; I didn’t have the nerve to say that it wasn’t me she heard - I was standing next to Wendy! We are all poorer for her loss but rich in memories.
The funeral yesterday was as Wendy had requested, joyful and uplifting even whilst we acknowledged her loss for ourselves but mostly for her family, and the packed chapel was a fine indicator of the high esteem in which she was held.
We hope we did you proud, Wendy, Jxx
July 15th, 2011 at 05:15 pm
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Wendy’s sudden passing. My heartfelt sympathy goes to Vic and their family. I used to love hearing about her holidays and travels while waiting to go on stage. She will be greatly missed by many and KAOS has lost a talented and precious member.
RIP Wendy the angels will be waiting for you to join their heavenly choir with your beautiful voice.
July 17th, 2011 at 11:48 am
I first met Wendy some 35 years ago and I’ve never forgotten how friendly she was: there was none of that “I’m a performer/you’re a backstage person” one sometimes gets, but a genuine and warm welcome. I will personally miss her charm, her tremendous talent, and especially her down to earth common sense: Wendy was one of those people who you could go to for advice on almost anything – and get a straightforward response. You might not always like the answer but there was never any doubting its wisdom, relevance or sincerity. Wendy graced so many lives in so many ways and I consider myself so fortunate to have known her.
July 25th, 2011 at 01:11 am
I first met wendy in1990 when I joined Kaos. I have very fond memories of my four years there and will never forget the first time I heard Wendy sing, what a voice!. I am living in Ireland now and have just found your web site and got the sad newsof Wedy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and Wendy’s family. Rip Wendy