Wendy Nicolette Kanno

Our beloved Wendy passed away far too soon after fighting health complications in Weston, FL with her loving family and friends by her side. She was born in Seoul, Korea and joined her father and family in Chicago when she was one year old. She was raised as the 5th born of 8 children to Hiroshi and Arlene Kanno. After graduating from Oak Park and River Forest High School and attending DePaul University, she went on to settle in Jupiter, FL. She successfully reached her goals of independence, entrepreneurship, travel, home ownership, marriage, and motherhood. She was generous beyond measure with her time, energy and care for others. Together with her husband Mark, she started a company from their small apartment and grew it to eventually be acquired by one of the largest healthcare companies in the nation. But retirement was not for her! She went on to author a book that encouraged young people to achieve their dreams, own a restaurant, obtain a real estate license and continue to build her "empire" with outstanding success. She enjoyed her legion of Florida friends, often seen playing pickleball and tennis, attending social events and hosting dinner parties. She was truly one of those rare people who impacted lives in big and small ways. We will miss her random texts throughout the year with recipes and healthy eating tips, photos of her pup Cody and her latest culinary creation. Wendy will always be remembered for her big heart, enthusiasm for sharing life with others, and the love she had for those closest to her.

She leaves behind her son Vance Kanno Hendryx, his father Mark, Scott Gardner, her parents, siblings Mat, Ann, Kathy (Mike Wood), Paula, Stephanie (Grant Wegner), Ronnie, and Cary (Christina Grijalva), 7 nephews, and dozens of cousins, aunts, and uncles in FL, IL, WI, HI and CA. She is predeceased by her grandparents, niece Michelle Bernat, and Oak Park friends Laura Southwick and Sherri Wyzykowski. A private memorial will be held at a later date. Please contact Steph.kanno@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Laura Southwick Foundation.