MARKHAM, Ontario – The board of directors of The Word Guild wishes to announce the details for “A Celebration of Life” honouring its co-founder, Wendy Elaine Nelles.
The celebration will be held on Sunday, September 9, 2018 from 2:30-4:00 p.m. in the chapel at Tyndale University College & Seminary, 3377 Bayview Ave, North York, ON M2M 3S4. The event is being organized by a group of Nelles’ intimate friends, in association with Tyndale University College & Seminary. It will feature music by award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter/musician and host of CBC radio’s Saturday Night Jazz Laila Biali, words of comfort from New York Times best-selling author Ann Voskamp, and a message from Tyndale University College & Seminary president Gary Nelson. A reception will follow. All are welcome. (People may indicate their intention to attend by registering at Eventbrite.com and searching for Wendy Nelles.)
Nelles succumbed to cancer on Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. She was in her 64th year.
Interim chair of The Word Guild board of directors, Lloyd Mackey, recalls Wendy as someone who knew and understood the Canadian Christian writing community and enjoyed serving it to the best of her considerable abilities. “I watched, as a journalist writing in both mainstream and faith-based settings, as she worked with others to keep the cause of writer development in the Christian venue moving forward and adapting to frequent changes,” he says. “She was an encourager to writers who were Christian and did much, as well, as The Word Guild co-founder, to see that structures were in place to continuously support such writers.”
Friend and former chair of the board Thomas Froese commented, “For many years Wendy was a tireless supporter, networker and advocate of The Word Guild affairs, seeking always to encourage writers to produce work of professional quality and Christian virtue.”
Wendy retired formally from The Word Guild in 2010 but continued to care about both the organization and the Canadian writers and editors who are Christian that it represents.
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WENDY ELAINE NELLES
January 9, 1955 – July 26, 2018
Wendy grew up on her family’s farm in Norfolk County, Ontario and demonstrated her keen intellect and curiosity early. She was one of 45 inductees selected from her secondary school’s 118-year history for its inaugural Wall of Distinction.
She earned an MA in Communications with high honour from Wheaton College, Illinois, and a BA (double major, English and Psychology) with high honour from Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ont.
An award-winning journalist, writer, editor, and speaker who worked in the corporate, not-for-profit, and publishing sectors, Wendy was a passionate supporter of the arts. She co-founded The Word Guild (an association of Canadian writers and editors who are Christian) in 2001, and devoted much of the rest of her life to mentoring and equipping writers to achieve increased professionalism and influence. She co-directed the Write! Canada conference for eight years; served on its leadership team for 22 years; and oversaw writing contests, literary awards, and Gala events.
In 2006, she was honoured nationally with the Leading Women Award for outstanding achievement in Communications and Media.
Among other projects, she worked with 60 writers as co-editor of the Hot Apple Cider book series, and most recently, donated her time and editing talents for The Game Changers: True Stories About Saving Mothers & Babies In East Africa.
For four years, Wendy fought declining health with courage and strength, choosing to live each moment to the fullest, and to remain as upbeat and focussed on others as she always had been. Her faith in God was the driving force of her life.
Wendy is survived by her mother, Lois, and was predeceased by her father, Raymond. She leaves behind a wide circle of extended family members, friends, and countless Canadian Christian writers, editors, and artists today who can thank Wendy for having found their voice due to her tireless support.
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For further information, contact:
Patricia Paddey
Co-organizer, “A Celebration of Life”
Cell: 905-616-1326
Email: patricialp@mac.com
Web: www.thewordguild.com