It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Wendy Lou Nason-Maki on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the young age of 62, in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
Wendy was born on December 5, 1961, and was raised in Sunshine, Ontario, where she grew up enjoying the great outdoors. Alongside her parents and three brothers, she cherished camping trips, playing and watching sports, and cheering on dirt car races. In her teenage years, Wendy’s family moved to Thunder Bay, where she attended high school and began to lay the foundation for her life.
From a young age, Wendy discovered her professional passion. Right after high school, she completed a bookkeeping course that led to a fulfilling career. Wendy initially worked in banking before transitioning to bookkeeping. Mid-way through her career, Wendy and her husband Bruce, also took great pride in running a successful courier business, MNM Courier, which they managed together. Later in her career, Wendy started her own business, offering bookkeeping services to clients across Thunder Bay. She often said her work never felt like work and took great pride in helping her clients succeed. She formed deep, lasting relationships with many of her clients, some of whom became cherished friends, including Calley, Tom, and Pat, among others. Wendy also took great pleasure in assisting friends and family with income tax returns and recently found joy in teaching her daughter-in-law bookkeeping skills.
Above all else, Wendy’s greatest passion was her family. She was a devoted mother to her two sons, Michael and Brent, who brought endless joy to her life. Wendy was a hands-on mom who kept up with their energy, whether it was playing street hockey outside, wrestling on the living room floor, or sharing their mutual love for sports (and sports betting). As Michael and Brent grew older, Wendy’s bond with her sons deepened, evolving into close friendships.
In 1995, Wendy met the love of her life, Bruce Maki. Despite initial teasing from her sons, Bruce quickly became an important part of their family. Together, Wendy and Bruce built a life filled with adventure and laughter, creating countless memories during family trips to the States, including a favorite NASCAR trip to Michigan. Once their children were grown, Wendy and Bruce continued their adventures, enjoying motorcycle rides, casino visits, and trips to Las Vegas. In recent years those trips to Vegas were accompanied by her niece Karen and family from California which she truly enjoyed.
Wendy’s joy reached new heights when she became a Mummu. Her grandchildren Brody, Raeya, and Adalyn were the lights of her life and her greatest source of pride. Wendy cherished every adventure big and small that they had together whether it was a sleepover, going to the park, or eating at "Old McDonald’s.” She was without a doubt their favourite person and they will miss her terribly.
Wendy leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. She will be deeply missed by her devoted and heartbroken husband, Bruce; her children, Michael (Amanda) and Brent (Nikki); her beloved grandchildren, Brody, Raeya, and Adalyn; her brothers, Darcy, Keith (Cheryl), and Darren (Diane); her nephews Jeffrey, Kyle, Ryan, and niece Karen (David) and her children; and numerous relatives, friends and neighbours who held her dear.
Wendy is predeceased by her parents, Irene and Lenard Nason. Her beloved mother, Irene, passed away earlier this year in 2024, and Wendy’s family takes comfort in knowing they are now lovingly reunited. She is also predeceased by her in-laws Larry and Doris Maki, sister-in-law Marily Heffernan (Maki), and by her stepchildren Kyle Maki and Lyndsay Boyer (Maki).
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses, doctors, especially Dr. Aseyev, pharmacist friend Tanis Palko, and staff of the 1A Oncology Unit for their compassionate care and support during Wendy’s stay.
Wendy’s kindness, warmth, and vibrant spirit will forever be cherished in the hearts of all who knew her. Her family is committed to keeping her memory alive by passing down stories and cherished moments to her young grandchildren.
A celebration of Wendy’s life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cancer Society in her memory.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
