In Memory

Wendy Smithlin (Selvaggi)

Wendy Smithlin Selvaggi passed away on Monday, the 25th of March 2013, in Houston, at the age of 43. 
Wendy was born on the 31st of January 1970, in Granite Falls, Minnesota, to parents, Nona and David Smithlin. 
Wendy graduated from Forest Lake Senior High and Rasmussen Business College with a degree in accounting. She was a Credit Manager at Kent Electronics. 
As a lover of life and adventure, she motorcycled, snowboarded, kayaked, canoed, bicycled, was a fly and live bait fisherwoman, a zip liner, a sailor, helicopter rider, white water rafter, kneeboarder, snow and water tuber, and adventure hiker.
She met her future husband, Ross Selvaggi, in 1993 and they were married on the 14th of November 1998, in the Cayman Islands.
Wendy and Ross settled down in Houston and were blessed with two wonderful sons, Rossi Lucian III and Ryan David. Wendy was a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women. She was also a Sunday School teacher and a tireless Vacation Bible School volunteer. She served at St. Luke's Day School on the Parent Advisory Council and led the Teacher Appreciation Lunches. She also volunteered with a smile at River Oaks Elementary and Lanier Middle School. Her passion showed in her role as Team Mom for Post Oak Little League where she was Ross and Ryan's biggest fan. She was an active leader in Troop 55 of the Boy Scouts and the backbone of the Houston Croquet Association. She supported Ross in his role with the Friends of Looscan Library and graced her friends with scrapbooking retreats to Round Top, Texas. She was also a supporter of Citizens for Animal Protection.
Her proudest accomplishments and passions were her two sons. Besides the active volunteering, she participated with batting, pitching, and fielding practice, seven days a week. She actively worked with her sons on their school activities, Boy Scout activities and camp outs. Not only did she enjoy creating lifelong memories for her sons, she captured the moments in scrapbooks and photos of professional quality. Especially baseball!
Wendy is predeceased by her grandparents, Marvin and Adeline Just, and Jim and Marge Smithlin; and her father in law, Rossi Lucian Selvaggi, Sr. She is survived by her husband and two sons; parents, Nona and David Smithlin; her sister, Jenny Nistler and her husband Shawn; brothers-in-law, Richard Rossi Selvaggi, MD and his wife Tina, Thomas Carl Selvaggi, MD, and his wife Shantelle, and Stuart Joseph Selvaggi and his wife Elaine; mother-in-law, Lillian Griffey Selvaggi; sisters-in-law, Virginia Ann Selvaggi and Sue Marie Nixon and her husband Tony; nephews, Luke and Logan Nistler; and numerous other nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.
Wendy set an example of courage for all through her health challenges. She will be remembered by all as a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister-in-law, and Godmother, a warm and caring, cheerful friend, and neighbor. She will especially be remembered for her million dollar smile!



 
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04/07/13 03:21 PM #1    

Laura LaVoie (Sims)

I am so sorry for the families loss!   She was a nice person!


06/08/13 11:32 PM #2    

Dawn Wyse (Pester)

Wendy was my pal, my buddy my friend who made it easier to get through the awkward days of middle and high school with her laughter and quick wit! I contribute much of who I am and the successes that I have had to her influence and stead fast friendship during those early years.  She left us too soon but she has touched many.  I will continue to strive to live the life she showed us to live filled with grace, spirt, adventure and love.

Be in the moment, live for today, and laugh often!

I miss you Wendy

Dawn

 

  


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