WENDY PRITCHARD

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WENDY PRITCHARD

October 9, 1949 - April 7, 2026

Wendy was born in Winnipeg on October 9, 1949, and spent a lifetime brightening the lives of everyone around her. For 30 years, she inspired young minds as an elementary school teacher, initially at Parc La Salle and then La Salle School, sharing her love of learning with patience and creativity before retiring from Seine River School Division. Her passion extended beyond the classroom as Wendy was also an accomplished baton twirler, teaching the art for over 20 years, judging in international competitions, and earning numerous accolades, including Manitoba Baton Champion.

Known for her kindness, her impeccable sense of style, and taking joy in life’s little pleasures, Wendy also had a generous heart and a strong sense of duty. She lovingly cared for her parents, Lloyd and Dylis Pritchard, and treasured the connections she nurtured with friends and family alike.

Wendy’s adventurous spirit shone brightest in her travels with her husband and soulmate of 37 years, Dennis Bethscheider, whom she married on September 26, 2008. Together, they explored nearly all 50 U.S. states, making friends wherever they went. On their first journey together Wendy and Dennis visited their beloved California. There, they took in the cliffs of Big Sur, the redwoods of the Sierras, San Diego, and Palm Springs, before meeting Dennis’s friends Kirk and Sharon, who told Dennis that Wendy was the one! Wendy embraced travel and meeting new people and was always open to new experiences.

Wendy was more than a teacher, a traveler, or a friend, she was a “grandparent” in spirit to her beloved Christina, Madeleine, Peter, Penny, and Allison. She leaves behind her husband Dennis; close friends Joyce, Verna and Ken, Valerie and John, Kirk and Sharon, Matthew and Rita, Dan and Christina, Sol and Diana, Donna and Paul, Julie, Julia, and many others beloved and numerous.

We would like to thank staff at The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre for their kindness and support throughout Wendy’s stay.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Thomson In The Park, 1291 McGillivray Blvd., on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wendy’s name to Parkinson Canada or The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre.

Tributes: thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2026