Wendy Lara

Wendy Lara, 30, entered into eternal rest on December 14, 2025. She was the beloved mother of Rylee, cherished twin sister of Michelle, and treasured daughter of Ana and William.
Wendy was born in Manhattan, New York, and raised in Meriden, Connecticut, surrounded by family, cousins, and a childhood filled with laughter. Growing up, Wendy and her twin sister shared a special bond rooted in humor and silliness. They were inseparable goofballs-often able to exchange just one look and instantly know what the other was thinking or quietly joking about.
Wendy grew up close to her cousins, spending countless days outside riding bikes and scooters, playing with neighbors, and enjoying the simple freedom of childhood. She was active and adventurous, participating in the YMCA swim team and even a local dance team with her twin sister and cousins-though, as their father fondly joked, they sometimes forgot to smile. She was a good kid with a gentle heart, known for being sweet, kind, and deeply connected to her family. Much of Wendy's childhood was spent surrounded by loved ones, creating memories rooted in togetherness, laughter, and love-moments that would shape the person she became.
Wendy was actively working toward a bachelor's degree and was on track to earn her associate degree in 2026. Earning a degree had always been important to her, and she made the intentional decision to return to school later in her career so she could continue advancing professionally and reach the highest level of education possible. Wendy aspired to go even further, with goals of completing a master's degree and applying those skills to continue growing in her career. She was a dedicated student at CT State, completing her coursework online while balancing the demands of motherhood, work, and everyday life.
Wendy Lara dedicated more than a decade of her professional life to the Hoffman Auto Group, where she built a career defined by commitment, growth, and excellence. She began as a Business Development Center (BDC) team member and, through her strong work ethic and consistent performance, advanced into the role of Business Development Manager. Wendy took great pride in her work and made a lasting impact on the organization and the many colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside her. Her professionalism, leadership, and ambition earned her the respect of her peers and reflected the passion she had for building a meaningful career.
Wendy cherished her daughter in the most intentional and loving ways. She found joy in creating meaningful moments, whether it was making a handmade Elf on the Shelf sled from popsicle sticks and candy canes, proudly attending Rylee's holiday dance recital and inviting her closest support system to share in that moment, or taking her to see the Rockettes in New York alongside her grandparents. Wendy nurtured Rylee's creativity, playfulness, and love for music and dance-often dancing with her and staying on the dance floor together until the very end. She wanted Rylee's life to be filled with experiences, memories, and wonder, even extending trips, like her time in Puerto Rico, simply to spend more time playing, laughing, and being present with her daughter. Wendy was devoted to Rylee in every way, showing her through love and example that she was strong, kind, important, and deeply loved.
Wendy was a loving mother, daughter, sister, cousin, niece, and friend whose life, though far too short, was filled with deep love and meaning. At just 30 years old, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, especially her daughter, who's the center of her world. She poured her heart and energy into creating a secure and loving life for her daughter. Her kindness, strength, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her. She had a way of making people feel seen and loved. She was deeply compassionate and unfailingly generous, offering whatever she had to support those around her. She was strong, self-sufficient, and never depended on anyone to define her worth. Though she is no longer with us, her love lives on in the lives she shaped and the memories we will forever cherish.
She is predeceased by her aunt, Sandy Lara; grandfather, Wilson Cordero; grandmother, Amanda Echevarria; and great grandmother, Concepcion Cruz.
Wendy leaves behind her daughter, Rylee James Terry; parents, Ana Cordero and William Lara; sister, Michelle Lara; cousins, Jeffery Marte, Brandon Lara, Adelaida Rivera, Yahaira Matias, Luz Feliciano, Jose Matias, Christian Marte, Michael Marte, Tiffany Lara, Priscilla Rosa, and Krystine Ramos; many extended family members and cherished friends; and her pet sister, Kira Lara.
We believe Wendy would want us to live the way she did-with generosity, love, and presence. She cared deeply about the people in her life, showing up without hesitation or expecting anything in return. She made others feel seen and truly loved. We ask that you help us honor her by carrying those qualities forward, by watching over her daughter, and by preserving Wendy's memory so that her daughter will always know who her mother was and how deeply she was loved.
A public Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21st from 2-5pm at B.C. Bailey Funeral Home located at 273 S. Elm St. in Wallingford. The family has requested that those attending bring photos, keepsakes, and memories to be shared with her daughter. B.C. Bailey Funeral Home is honored to have been entrusted with Wendy's care and final arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Wendy, please visit our floral store.