Wendy Ellen Russell Mendelsohn

Wendy Ellen Russell Mendelsohn (February 6, 1954 – December 22, 2025)

Wendy Ellen Russell Mendelsohn, 71, of Clarksville, Tennessee, died on December 22, 2025. She was known for her love, humor, resilience, strength, and kindness. As a devoted mother, caring grandmother, loyal friend, and protective guardian, Wendy was someone people could turn to for support. She was always there to offer comfort, wisdom, and a listening ear.

Wendy was born on February 6, 1954, in New Rochelle, New York, to James Robert Russell and Yolanda Helen Praete. She and her sister grew up in a close-knit family with strong Italian-American traditions. Wendy spent her childhood summers at the family camp in Connecticut, surrounded by friends and relatives. Those summers were full of laughter, good food, and stories that became family legends. She loved her father very much, and losing him at a young age helped shape her caring and empathetic nature.

After graduating from high school in the early 1970s, Wendy entered adulthood with her usual boldness and curiosity. In September 1974, she married David Mendelsohn. The day after their wedding, they moved to New Hampshire to start their life together. Wendy soon started working at the University of New Hampshire in the Veterinary Sciences Department, a job that fit her love for animals and her steady, caring nature.

Wendy’s adult life brought her to many places and required adaptability, determination, and quiet strength. In New Hampshire, she raised her son, Christian, and helped run the family’s photography business. Wendy often worked behind the scenes, handling invoicing, bookkeeping, scheduling, and all the details that kept things running.

To Wendy, animals were never just pets; they were family. She was especially devoted to German Shepherds. After getting her first shepherd, Aja, Wendy became a dedicated breeder and trainer. She took pride in her kennel, making sure that puppies found good homes and that the breed’s best qualities were preserved. Her knowledge and passion led her to serve as treasurer of her local German Shepherd Dog Club of America chapter, where she supported and educated other dog owners and breeders. Many families and friends found wonderful dogs thanks to Wendy’s care and advice. Her loyalty to her animals was real and fearless. Once, she stepped in during a fight between two dogs and was seriously hurt, showing her courage and deep commitment to their safety.

Life brought Wendy both challenges and joy. Along with happy family memories, she went through difficult times that she rarely talked about. With quiet courage and the help of loved ones, she found her way to independence and stability. She was grateful for the friends who stepped in when she needed them most. Leaving was harder than it looked, but Wendy rebuilt her life in her own way. Later, she returned to New Rochelle to care for her mother in the home where she grew up, bringing her story full circle.

In her final years, Wendy made another bold move. She moved to Tennessee to live on her sister’s farm. In the peaceful countryside, surrounded by open fields, animals, and family, Wendy found the peace and safety she deserved. Even though she faced COPD, she did not let illness take away her happiness. Those around her could see that her time on the farm was among her happiest and most engaged. She found peace and joy with her animal companions, both domestic and wild.

Family meant everything to Wendy. Her greatest love was her son, Christian, followed by her grandsons, Taylor and Russell. Wendy was loving and steady through every stage of life, from childhood bumps to adult challenges. Those who knew her best saw that she could be gentle and strong at the same time: protective, direct, loyal, and always there when needed.

Wendy loved being a grandmother. Taylor and Russell called her “Nonna,” a name they chose themselves when they were little. She gave them endless love and was proud of who they were becoming. She was the “fun grandma,” the one who allowed candy, laughed at their jokes, and watched silly cat videos just to hear them laugh. “Nonna” made everything feel easy, and her grandsons will always remember her warmth, humor, and the way she let them get away with things their parents never would.

Wendy had a special bond with her sister, Robin. Over the years and across distances, they were confidantes, and when times were hard, they looked out for each other. Robin welcomed Wendy on the farm and gave family support and love. Their closeness brought Wendy comfort and joy, and Robin was a steady support until the end.

Later in life, Wendy returned to the civic activism and protest spirit she had carried in her younger years. She never stayed silent when she saw injustice and spoke up for democracy and decency. She was an early founding supporter of the MeidasTouch movement and became known online as “Meidas Wendy,” building a community of people who admired her wit, courage, and strong beliefs. After moving to Tennessee, she joined the local Montgomery County Democratic Party and became a familiar face at headquarters, making phone calls, helping with voter outreach, and greeting everyone with her no-nonsense, New York charm. Even when faced with hostility, Wendy responded with calm resolve and, when needed, a well-timed, witty remark.

Although Wendy was a New Yorker through and through, she became a devoted Boston Red Sox fan during her years in New England. She carried this loyalty with pride and happily tried to pass it along to her grandchildren.

Wendy is survived by her son, Christian Mendelsohn; her two treasured grandsons, Taylor Mendelsohn and Russell Mendelsohn; and her devoted sister, Robin Russell Hallums. She is also remembered with great love by many cousins and a wide circle of dear friends whom she considered family, as well as her beloved dog Rusty and cat Vinny, who are now in the care of family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, James R. Russell, and her mother, Yolanda H. Praete.

A Celebration of Life will take place in spring 2026 in Clarksville, Tennessee, with a second gathering planned for summer 2026 in New Hampshire, so that friends and family near and far can honor her memory. Details will be shared with loved ones once finalized. Instead of flowers, those wishing to honor Wendy may consider a donation to causes she cared about, such as civic engagement and animal welfare.

In the end, the best way to remember Wendy is to live as she did: love your people deeply, stand up for what is right, and find joy in simple moments. Happy 72nd Birthday, Mom