Wendy L. D'Amelio

Wendy D’Amelio, beloved daughter of Marjorie and Joseph Benoit was born August 20, 1949 in Connecticut and passed away peacefully on May 8, 2016. Wendy attended Lauralton Hall, a private college preparatory academy in Connecticut where she was a varsity basketball team member, having won her place on the team, even as a high school freshman. She was given the magnum cum laude award from Auxilium Latinum during her studies at Lauralton as well as having won a French scholarship award to study abroad. Wendy was also a member of Choral Club, an officer in the Athletic Association and a member of Tarsicians and Sodality Club. She attended Sacred Heart University where she majored in psychology and sociology. After graduation, she worked for Easter Seals for 30 years where she encouraged and inspired people with various mental and physical challenges to achieve their highest potential. She was a notable comfort and support to families dealing with children with challenges and was given a well deserved standing ovation at her retirement celebration. Wendy retired to Florida with her devoted husband Bob Belden and lived in the Florida Keys for part of the year enjoying boating and fishing and seeing her children and grandchildren swimming among the manatees alongside of her home. She also lived in Orlando part of the year where she and family, especially the grandchildren, loved the theme parks, annual Thanksgiving traditions, and enjoying the lake at her home where Wendy so enjoyed the ducklings who befriended her every year. Her greatest joys in life were surely her son David D’Amelio and her daughter -in-law Ashleigh D’Amelio of Richmond ,VA. Her grandchildren , Haley D’Amelio and Tyler D’Amelio were the lights of her life with whom she created so many memories. Wendy was a most proud mother and grandmother. She will be terribly missed by her sisters and brother and nieces and nephews and friends and community. Her humor and love of life will live on through her family. A private service with family will be held in celebration of her life. Contributions in her honor can be made to the Children’s Diabetes Foundation or to Lauralton Hall Academy.

Wendy L. D'Amelio

August 20, 1949 - May 8, 2016