Wendy Anne Hanson-Coulombe
August 30, 1968 - March 22, 2009

Wendy Hanson-Coulombe was a successful woman who was very driven concerning things she was passionate about and she always made sure that she did everything to the best of her ability as well. She was beautiful on the inside and out and she continually challenged herself in her career, possessing a strong work ethic. Wendy deeply loved her family and poured herself into making her house a home, creating an atmosphere in which she could find peace and contentment. Although life was not easy for Wendy, she improved the lives of many through her positions with various organizations that specialize in aiding those who are in need.

1968 was an exciting, revolutionary, and turbulent year with events such as the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr and Robert Kennedy; Nixon winning the election; year of the Olympics in Mexico City, Mexico (Summer) and Grenoble, France (Winter); "The Graduate" ranked the top movie of the year along with the song "Mrs. Robinson" from Simon and Garfunkel that was awarded record of the year. Richard and Janett (Bischoff) Hanson, of St. Joseph, Michigan were looking forward to their own exciting time as well; as Janett was due to give birth to their first child at any time. They were indeed blessed on August 30, 1968 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Wendy Anne. Wendy was later joined in her family by a younger sister named Shelley with whom she established a close childhood relationship. The Hanson family grew up in Hartland, Michigan, a small community on the east side of the state, and they had relatives that lived in nearby towns as well. Wendy was an outstanding student and she attended Round Elementary School and then Hartland High School where she enjoyed reading and learning new things.

During her childhood years, Wendy was blessed with many unique experiences that created precious memories for her and her family. Wendy liked to go horseback riding with her grandfather and even went to a horse riding camp one summer. As a family, the Hansons went on an annual two week summer camping trip to Canada where Wendy and her sister shared a pup tent. The Hansons were a close and loving family. She established a strong work ethic during her teen years when she held various summer jobs including waiting tables and delivering pizza.

After graduating second in her class at Hartland High in 1986, Wendy went on to Eastern Michigan University where she met her best friend and roommate Alicia. She went on to graduate from Eastern Cum Laude with a B.S. in Communication and Public Relations in 1990. With her new degree under her belt, Wendy found employment at the Michigan Metro Girl Scout Council in the Detroit area where she worked in communications and then later for the National Kidney Foundation of America as well. During this time Wendy truly found her niche when she purchased a home and discovered that she loved decorating, even gleaning various ideas from the home shows on cable television. Also during this time Wendy was married for a short time, but together the couple decided to amicably part ways.

During the mid and late nineties, Wendys career took her in some new directions. For a time, she worked for the University of Michigan where she managed a fundraising telemarketing center for the school, but in 1998, Wendy took advantage of the opportunity to obtain her M.B.A. through a position at the University of Detroit Mercy where she worked as the Director of Development. With this addition to her rsum, Wendy worked in several different positions over the next few years. Also during this time frame, Wendy met a business owner named Tom McPhee with whom she fell in love and was united in marriage. As a result, Wendy also was involved with the family business and became a homemaker and embraced being a stepmother to Toms son, Kevin. After awhile, Wendy and Tom went their separate ways, bringing challenging days to Wendy. Soon after her divorce, Wendy moved to West Michigan where she temporarily lived with her sister and her family which allowed her to share quality time with her nieces.

After settling into a home she purchased in Muskegon, Wendy became a Certified Fund Raising Executive, an avenue which brought Wendy much personal satisfaction and provided her with diverse career opportunities as well. She held positions with various organizations including: Goodwill Industries of West Michigan , Muskegon Habitat for Humanity, Home Repair Services of Kent County, Gospel Communications International, and most recently, Mel Trotter Ministries where she was the Director of Marketing and Communications.

Life again turned in an exciting and new direction for Wendy when she met a French Canadian named Clement Coulombe who worked for Huntington Bank in Muskegon. A whirlwind romance quickly ensued and they were united in marriage on September 1, 2006. The newlyweds settled into Wendys house and together they cared for his two daughters who stayed with them often. Wendy was delighted to travel to Quebec to meet Clements family and although their relationship had not been easy, they continuously communicated and attempted to work through their difficulties.

There were many things that contributed to making Wendy the beautiful, polished woman that her family and friends knew and loved. She was a bit of a perfectionist who was particular about her home and also liked to keep a tight schedule and she was a natural planner as well. Wendy was intense and driven, always striving to bring good into the lives of those around her and she had a successful career, continuously adding diverse facets to her accomplished rsum.

Whether she was adding a splash of color to a room in her home, enjoying a talk with her friend, or leading a project in her job, Wendy Hanson-Coulombe carried herself with integrity, grace, and passion. She was both intelligent and compassionate about those less fortunate than her and she worked diligently in whatever position her career led her. Although life was not without its struggles, Wendy brightened the lives of so many that were placed in her life. She will be deeply missed.

Wendy A. Hanson-Coulombe died Sunday, March 22, 2009. Wendys family includes her husband, Clement of Muskegon; step daughters, Marie-Angelique Coulombe, Emilie Coulombe; father, Richard Hanson of FL; mother, Janett Kasperek (John); sister, Shelley (Sean) LaLonde of Grand Haven; grandmother, Lee Rogers of AZ; nieces, Chloe, Sidney; nephew, Alexander. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Rev. Dr. Thomas C.H. Scott, Rector officiating. Visit with Wendys family and friends on Thursday, 7-9 p.m. and Friday, 7-9 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to Mel Trotter Ministries.

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