Wendy Rose Howard Groleau
November 4, 1944 ~ February 18, 2024
Born in:
Louisville, KY
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Asheville- Wendy Rose Howard Groleau, 79, of Asheville, died peacefully at The Lodge in Mills River on February 18, 2024.
She was born in Louisville, KY to George and Edith Howard. For her whole life, Wendy displayed immense strength in overcoming multiple health issues as well as people’s limited expectations of her. She lived well beyond her life expectancy thanks to the love, support, and care of her family.
Wendy moved to Asheville as an adult, married Jack Groleau in 1984, and lived in Montford where she was close with her neighbors. She loved her “fur babies”, caring for many dogs [and one cat] throughout her life. Wendy was proud to work at Thoms Rehabilitation Hospital for 15 years where she made many lifelong friends.
During the final years of her life, Wendy attended the MountainCare Adult Day Services where she was very social, participating in all the activities! She loved painting her nails, dancing, playing bingo, and watching her favorite shows; Andy Griffith and Little House on the Prairie.
Wendy was preceded in death by her husband Jack, and her siblings William Howard, Whitworth Howard, and Wayne Ann Neblett. She is survived by her sister Winnell Newman of Cary, NC; her nieces Tish Hawks of Asheville and Maggi Carroll of Hendersonville as well as many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on February 25, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in Wendy’s memory to either MountainCare Adult Day Services (Buncombe County) or Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
Services
Celebration of Life: February 25, 2024 3:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704
(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com
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Remembering Wendy from her time at MountainCare Adult Day Care Services where I entertain with a music program monthly as a volunteer. She was always enjoyable to visit with and she loved some of the “old timey” songs I shared with the clients. My thought and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
What a kind note….Wendy so enjoyed the music at MountainCare! Thank you for sharing your gifts with the participants, I know they all appreciated the time you spent there. Tish (her niece)
Sweet memories in deed Winnell…thanks for sharing.
Wendy and I are 1st cousins and she is the sister to 4 siblings who also are my 1st cousins (Wayne Ann, Whit, Bill and Winnell) who our family would drive from New York very other summer when I was growing up, to visit in Louisville, KY for one week. These were magical times for me – having 5 cousins who were so loving and fun to be with.
The last time I saw Wendy was quite a few years ago when my husband George and I came to visit our North Carolina cousins and had dinner together at Tish’s house. It was a surprise to Wendy that we were coming and when we arrived for dinner she said my name, “Susan” in such a loving way with tears in her eyes that it made my heart melt. As Tish said, she has touched many lives and she has touched mine. I will remember Wendy as a happy and loving person. George and I are thankful that she is at peace and in the loving arms of God.
God bless all of you who helped to the care for her. You were her angels here on earth.
Love to all, Sue and George
Sue, thank you for sharing your memories of Wendy. We miss her so much already!
Wendy was my great aunt. She was and is an inspiration…her joy and love was unmatched. We miss her already, but are thankful that she is at peace now. Thank you to everyone who loved and cared for her!