QUINEBAUG, CT - Wendy Lee Kirkland, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She battled cancer for three years valiantly, but her battle is now over. Wendy was the eldest child of Gilbert T. Haas and Joyce (Schaftmeister) Haas, and is survived by her brothers Glenn Haas and his wife Debbie, and Jon Haas and his wife Cathy. Wendy has two children: a son, Eric P. Kirkland, and his wife Melissa Kirkland, and a daughter, Nicole E. Kirkland. She has a cousin named Lise Krieger. Wendy has three grandchildren; Alexandra J. Kirkland, Jared E. Kirkland, and Chelsea T. Kirkland.
Wendy was born October 1, 1945 in Westchester, NY, and grew up in Concord, MA. She lived in Florida, Worcester, and Webster, MA before settling in her home in Quinebaug, CT. She went to UMASS Amherst and Florida State University, and earned a Bachelor is Arts in English.
She worked as a secretary and office clerk and wrote columns for the Worcester Telegram for several years before being a reporter and then editor of the Webster Times. She was a paraprofessional at Woodstock Academy for many years, teaching and mentoring students in the Special Education Department. She retired 4 years ago but continued keeping in touch with many of her students whom she adored. She self published a local Newsletter called “The Voice,” in which she also wrote, edited, delivered, and promoted local businesses.
Wendy was an artist, a writer, a knitter, a reader, an avid gardener, cook, and baker. Wendy was a strong advocate of animals and loved her dog and cat deeply. She believed in supporting local businesses and loved the Thompson Public Library. Wendy was involved in Thompson Together, Inc. and was a board member since it began more than ten years ago. She also served on the Thompson Community Day committee for many years.
She attended church at Camp Calumet Lutheran in West Ossippee, NH, which was her favorite place in the world. It was her peace.
There are no calling hours. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday May 25, 2019 at noon, at her home. For more information please call Alexandra Kirkland at 860-634-4930. Donations in her name may be made to Calumet Lutheran Ministries. Arrangements are under the direction of Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 E Main Street, Webster, MA.