Wendy Rae Fairchild, 62

We are devastated to announce that our family rock, Wendy Rae Fairchild, passed unexpectedly at home in Polson on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Wendy was born Aug. 31, 1962, to Mary Ann and Leon Person in Seattle, Wash. The oldest of three children, Wendy became a big sister to younger brothers Scott and Paul. The family would later relocate to southern California and then to Polson.

In January of 1982, she met her future husband, Mark Fairchild. Together they welcomed their first child, Matthew (Matt), on Dec. 24, 1982. Mom would always refer to Matthew as “the best Christmas gift” she had ever received.

Mark and Wendy were married in a simple ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends in March of 1983. Their 42 years together would take them on numerous adventures, and there was rarely a dull moment in large part thanks to their love of animals, family and Mark’s local racing career.

In October of 1994, they welcomed a daughter, Kaitlin (Katy), and the family was complete.

Wendy’s infectious smile, contagious laugh, open heart, and quick wit drew friends to her wherever she went. She would hate that I wrote that, though, because she also hated being the center of attention in any capacity.

She was truly one of a kind and would help anyone who needed it in any way she could. She always put her family first and made sure everyone was taken care of before considering herself. She will be missed beyond measure as her ripple was felt far and wide.

Wendy is preceded in death by both her parents and grandparents, and great-grandson Daniel. She is survived by her husband, Mark, children Matt and Katy (Chris), brothers Paul (Paula) and Scott; grandchildren Kiirstyn (Simon), Ethan, Benjamin, Allison and Kason; and great-grandchildren, Axton and Delilah.

Mom would have admonished me for holding any traditional services, so we will be honoring her memory as best we can with a celebration of life memorial barbecue picnic, date and location yet to be determined. All who loved her will be welcome to join as we laugh, cry and share our favorite memories over good food, just the way she would have wanted.

Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.