Obituaries

Wendy S. Caldwell, 52

January 12, 2015

Wendy S. Caldwell, 52, wife of James M. Schreder, died January 12.

Born on July 30, 1962, Wendy was the daughter of Donald Caldwell, Lancaster, and Audrey Caldwell, Ephrata. She was a 1980 graduate of Warwick High School. She spent her junior year at Ithaca High School, Ithaca, NY. She was a track and field standout and a cheerleader throughout high school.

In late 1980, Wendy dropped out of her freshman year of college to pursue a career in radio. She began as an intern at WLAN-AM/FM (FM 97) and eventually paired up with Brother Weems to form the popular Weems Team on FM 97 in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Wendy also worked as a morning personality and newscaster at radio stations in Lebanon and York. She ended her radio career in 2001 at WROZ-FM (The Rose).

Wendy returned to college and graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in English and Cultural Anthropology in 2007. She then worked as a reading and writing tutor for Smarthinking, Inc. and at Reading Area Community College.

At the time of her death, Wendy was employed by the Lancaster Newspapers as a correspondent, a job she held since 1996. She was most proud of her published series focusing on Sustainable Agriculture in Lancaster County, and she also enjoyed writing nearly 300 Teen of the Week features.

Wendy was very active in local theatre. As a comic character actress, she performed in over 30 productions at Ephrata Performing Arts Center. She was also seen on stage at York Little Theatre, The Fulton Opera House, and Genesius Theatre in Reading.

Wendy was dedicated to helping the community, a passion that began when she was involved with the Girl Scouts. She volunteered with the Literacy Council of Lancaster, the Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy organization (KPETS), and the Salvation Army.

Wendy enjoyed exercising, listening to 1970s and 1980s music, taking walks with Zoe, spending time in her hometown of Lititz, and making people laugh. She cherished every visit she made to Ocean City, NJ, and it was her wish that her ashes be scattered along Ocean City’s beach.

In addition to Wendy’s parents and husband, she is survived by her brother, David Caldwell, South Orange, NJ; her nephews, Benjamin Caldwell and Daniel Caldwell, also of South Orange; her aunt, Michelle Dorsey, Lancaster; and her uncle, Robert DeMora, Youngsville, NY. She loved her witty family with her entire heart.

There will be no formal services, in keeping with Wendy’s request.
Family and friends are welcome to celebrate the life of Wendy Caldwell at an informal get together on Friday, January 16 from 3-6 pm at Ephrata Performing Arts Center’s Sharadin Bigler Theatre, 320 Cocalico Street in Ephrata. Without a formal service, feel free to drop in at any point for any length of time. Think about something she did or said that made you laugh, or find your favorite picture of Wendy. Please bring those memories to share with others.
Donations in Wendy’s memory can be made to Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Hershey Medical Center (for kids with cancer) at 90 Hope Drive, A120, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033-0852 or fourdiamonds.org.

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Condolences to the Family

January 18, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting and knowing Wendy “back in the day” when I worked at FM97 in the early ’80’s. Even though our paths only intersected at that short time in life, I always carry Wendy’s zest for life with me. I’ll never forget the time I was on the air, playing the Paul Davis song “’65 Love Affair” (the link is below…Wendy would appreciate it when you play it that you turn it up LOUD, and sing along), and how she was so alive, miming the song, doing her cheerleader impersonation in the studio, particularly at the acapella “Go, Go, Go Team Go! Go, Go, Go Team Go!” part. I’m laughing and tears are falling as I write this. As Paul sang, “If I could go back again, well I know our love will never end, back with all of my friends . . .” It’s not the length of the love encounter, but that love was shared, in that one brief moment in time. Thank you Wendy! You are timeless, I Love you and miss you…
Love,
R.J. Heim

January 16, 2015

To Jim and Wendy’s family: Our sincere sympathy of the loss of a truly beautiful woman who gave us all so much laughter. And we are not just referring to her talents on stage, but rather her timing for comic relief during our family’s sorrow, in the death of our dad many years ago. Her nurturing spoke volumes through her funny, lively personality. We will always treasure her gift of humor and pray that her new audience in this afterlife will embrace her as so many have done here on earth. Our love prayers for your peace and comfort, Rick and Gerry Mills

January 15, 2015

My thoughts and prayers go out to Wendy’s family and friends. I didn’t know her personally but I was a loyal listener for many years so she seemed like an old friend. She and Weems were the best morning team in the business. Thank you Wendy for all the fun in the morning with FM97. Now get Heaven rocking with a great Flashback Friday. Dee Englehart

January 15, 2015

To Jim and all of Wendy’s family-I am stunned & so sorry to hear about Wendy’s passing. I knew Wendy from the Playhouse going back many years. She always made me laugh & I was always happy to hear she was involved in a show whether she was onstage or behind the scenes.Wendy was always there to help out when anyone needed her. She was smart & funny and brave & I admired her so much- and I’m sorry I never got to tell her that. I am thinking of all of you and also Zoe-Wendy’s love & devotion to her was beautiful & something to be aspired to. My deepest sympathies-Angie Fasnacht

January 15, 2015

Jim, so sorry to hear about Windy’s passing. Although I never met her, hearing you talk about her and reading her life’s history she sounded like a truly compassionate person who enjoyed her life every day. Please accept our condolences to you and her family. Bill & Mary Hall

January 15, 2015

So sorry to hear of Wendy’s passing. Our family will remember Wendy as one of our neighbor’s who we would always see walking her beloved dog Zoey. We enjoyed sharing many dog stories and knew just how much Zoey meant to her. She always had a smile on her face and loved to make us laugh. We will miss those times of meeting her on our walks. Our deepest sympathy to Jim and her family.

January 15, 2015

My shock at Wendy’s passing will not go away. We were making plans to get together for dinner with some others from The Rose and FM97. I feel responsible for her dropping out of college to work at WLAN. She was the best intern ever! The rest, as they say, is history for her long career in broadcasting. Wendy always had a positive attiude about everything. I hope she is in a very peaceful and healthy place now.
Ellen Wascou

January 14, 2015

I was so sorry to read of Wendy’s passing. Wendy was so kind to me when I worked as an intern at WLAN. She was encouraging and always willing to take time to teach about newswriting and reporting. My sincere condolences to your family. ~Heather White-Grimm

January 14, 2015

Having never had a pleasure of knowing Wendy, Wendy seemed to be a wonderfully talented and personable individual who always made a significent, positive impact on those lives she touched. Jim, my sincerest condolences to you and your family! Fellow Kahuna Golf Club member and friend, Kevin Boyle.

January 14, 2015

Wendy was one of the most professional broadcasters I ever had the pleasure of working with. Her smile, the ablility to take a joke and a bit of mischeif gleaming in her eyes knowing you were egging her on to see if you could push her buttons. I am proud to have worked with her at WLAN and wish her peace, love, and serenity as she passes to the next level. Thanks Wendy for the smiles, laughs, and comradery.
Mike Phillips Dayton, Ohio

January 14, 2015

Wendy came into my life when I worked with her at WLAN FM 97 in the mid-80’s. She had immense talent and always had a bright, cheeful smile that lit up the room when she walked in! I had lost touch with her over the last few years, but I knew Wendy would be making the most out her life and bringing joy, smiles, and laughter to all that she touched! She had a huge heart, incredible style and grace, and, even though we had not spoken in a while, I will miss her very much! My condolences to her family….Godspeed Wendy on your new journey!
Danny Carlisle

January 14, 2015

I was saddened to learn of Wendy’s passing. I first met Wendy when we worked together at WLAN. Later we worked in a theatre show together. She always made us laugh. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
John Witwer (J.W. Whitney)
Manheim Twp.

January 14, 2015

Wendy brought smiles and laughs to everyone around her regardless of how she was feeling. Brave and compassionate, she will be remembered and missed.

January 14, 2015

Your talents will be missed, on the air, in print and on the stage. My sincere condolences. – Casey Allyn

January 14, 2015

My deepest sympathy goes out to all of Wendy’s friends and family. May she soar high with the angels and have God’s love surround her forever more~~~
Carol O’Donnell

Visitation: Friday, January 16, 2015; 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM; Ephrata Performing Arts Center's Sharadin Bigler Theatre; 320 Cocalico Street; Ephrata, PA
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