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OBITUARY
Wendy Whited succumbed to cancer on September 29, 2021. She is survived by her brother William (Cindy) Whited, her nephew Billy (Aemelia) Whited, and grand nieces Matilda, Penelope, and Winifred.
A teacher by temperament and profession, Wendy taught junior high classes at Burnham Grammar School in Burnham IL from 1980 and continued in the classroom after becoming Principal from 1999 until she retired in 2012. Students often return... see more
Wendy Whited succumbed to cancer on September 29, 2021. She is survived by her brother William (Cindy) Whited, her nephew Billy (Aemelia) Whited, and grand nieces Matilda, Penelope, and Winifred.
A teacher by temperament and profession, Wendy taught junior high classes at Burnham Grammar School in Burnham IL from 1980 and continued in the classroom after becoming Principal from 1999 until she retired in 2012. Students often return to express gratitude for her lessons; she expected students to succeed and was dedicated to giving them the means to do so.
Smitten with horses from an early age, Wendy was riding by age 8 and collected dozens of trophies in her years of showing horses. She kept two or three “big old pets” on her property long after she stopped competing.
In college, her first Aikido class hooked her on a lifetime study. Wendy founded Inaka Dojo in 1992 and in 2015 was awarded the rank of seventh degree black belt by Mitsugi Saotome Shihan. She remained dedicated to the art, teaching remotely during the pandemic and developing her own Iaido kata so students could train without partners. She also created a series of courses to train aikido practitioners in the concepts and skills of effective teaching.
She was part of the founding board of directors for the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), helping establish the not-for-profit organization and position it for future growth. She served on the board as a member, secretary and, until her passing, as president.
Always a teacher and ever a student, Wendy travelled extensively throughout her life, especially in retirement; to teach or participate in Aikido events, to experience new places, and to repeatedly immerse herself in the Japanese culture she loved, including living there for two years teaching English. At home, she was a notable presence in Beecher, volunteering at the library and helping any person or cause she saw in need. At home and abroad, any stranger was a friend she hadn’t met yet. Thousands of them will remember her fondly.
By Wendy’s wish, there will be a memorial when we can safely meet in person, hug each other, and dance wildly. A visitation for family and local friends will be held on October 15 at noon with a service following at 2pm at Hack Funeral Home, 753 Hodges St, Beecher IL. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the charities below.
I had, as have many others, the sublime pleasure of spending time Wendy sama. Twice in Japan i was honored to travel with her and spend time. Whatever "IT" was she had in spades. She was unsinkble. Her spirit and and life force was... moreI had, as have many others, the sublime pleasure of spending time Wendy sama. Twice in Japan i was honored to travel with her and spend time. Whatever "IT" was she had in spades. She was unsinkble. Her spirit and and life force was overwhelming. She drew People in. Words cant describe her well enough. I will miss her and think of her often. "now show me the most beautiful Kokyu nage you have ever done" This was my instruction during my shodan test. Simply an outstanding human.
I will miss her greatly. less
I’m very sad to hear Wendy Sensei is gone. She was fun and ferocious- at the same time! I always enjoyed being around her at seminars. I was always surprised that she remembered my name - even if it had been a couple of years since I'd last seen her.... moreI’m very sad to hear Wendy Sensei is gone. She was fun and ferocious- at the same time! I always enjoyed being around her at seminars. I was always surprised that she remembered my name - even if it had been a couple of years since I'd last seen her. She'd see me, her eyes would light up, and she'd exclaim "Bob!" with a big smile on her face (it actually sounded more like 'Bahb!' IIRC) and then I'd get her trademark hug of greeting. Anyway, I enjoyed her classes too - always spot-on - ferocious, but still fun! My condolences to her close friends, students and family. I will miss her. less
Sensei Wendy was always wonderful to me. Extremely welcoming. It was hard to pick just one memory to share because they all flow together. Sensei encouraged me to text her daily to check in on how I’m doing not only with my martial art disciplines but... moreSensei Wendy was always wonderful to me. Extremely welcoming. It was hard to pick just one memory to share because they all flow together. Sensei encouraged me to text her daily to check in on how I’m doing not only with my martial art disciplines but also with life.
If I had to pick a specific memory, it’d be when Sensei decided to personally teach me Karate because of an incident that happened at work. she told me that martial art was not about violence, but said I needed to be able to defend myself. Over the next year, even during the pandemic, she taught me a combination of Akido, Karate, Boxing and a little Wing Chun. In everything that we did she took delight, always pushing me, but taking the time to break things down to make sure that I understood them. Those lessons were not only a lesson in self-defense, but in balance and peace. Often the take away would be pertaining to living a good life. Whenever I had questions about situations in life she was all ears always wisdom to impart.
I really have been extremely blessed with the time that I got to spend with Sensei Wendy. I believe that Wendy has moved on and is doing great things in the next journey after this life. When it is my time to go I look forward to catching up with her and spending more time with her. This last week has been particularly tough for me, but I’m often reminded of how strong she was- all the way to the end. I strive to live my life like this. less
So sorry to learn of Wendy's passing.
Her Aiki energy and enthusiasm were singular, as was her loyalty and devotion to ASU.
She will be sorely missed, yet her spirit will live on in us all.
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Wendy. She will most certainly be missed in the aikido world. From everyone at West Coast Aikido Academy of Western Australia.
My deepest and most sincere condolences to the many lives that Wendy Sensei touched - to her family, friends and aikido community. Wendy Sensei had a deep impact on many people but this photo reminds me not only the impact she had within the world of... moreMy deepest and most sincere condolences to the many lives that Wendy Sensei touched - to her family, friends and aikido community. Wendy Sensei had a deep impact on many people but this photo reminds me not only the impact she had within the world of aikido but also on other aspects greater than within the dojo or ‘on the mat.’ From growth in leadership to becoming more confident. Just as Wendy’s spirit, this photo comes bursting out with energy. Love and hugs! less
I was deeply moved by Wendy Sensei's heart, honesty, humor, directness, and wit when I finally got to meet her and practice with her at ASU Winter Camp in January 2020. That meeting left a lasting impression, and I am very grateful for the moments I... moreI was deeply moved by Wendy Sensei's heart, honesty, humor, directness, and wit when I finally got to meet her and practice with her at ASU Winter Camp in January 2020. That meeting left a lasting impression, and I am very grateful for the moments I spent with her on and off the tatami. Wishing her deep peace.
Wendy Sensei's strong, bright spirit will be deeply missed. Her gifts as Aikidoka, teacher, mentor and administrator were at their peak. Her contributions to ASU--maintained and even expanded during her illness--were far-reaching and significant. Her... moreWendy Sensei's strong, bright spirit will be deeply missed. Her gifts as Aikidoka, teacher, mentor and administrator were at their peak. Her contributions to ASU--maintained and even expanded during her illness--were far-reaching and significant. Her personalized care for individuals and dojos was remarkable. I am grateful for the time shared with her over the years, on and off the mat. Her warmth, courage and great generosity will continue to live in us, and inspire.
Wendy was one of my first teachers when I started aikido, and I'll never forget her. Whenever we ran into each other, she always took time to train with me. I always felt her consistent support and friendship at aikido events over the years. My deepest... moreWendy was one of my first teachers when I started aikido, and I'll never forget her. Whenever we ran into each other, she always took time to train with me. I always felt her consistent support and friendship at aikido events over the years. My deepest condolences to Wendy and her close friends and family. I know she'll be sorely missed.
Lily Iatridis less
My deepest condolences to the Inaka Dojo. I will miss Wendy Sensei. One memory I have was when I attended my first Thanksgiving Seminar in Chicago. She could sense that I was so nervous to be on the mat with all the Yundanshas. We made eye contact. I... moreMy deepest condolences to the Inaka Dojo. I will miss Wendy Sensei. One memory I have was when I attended my first Thanksgiving Seminar in Chicago. She could sense that I was so nervous to be on the mat with all the Yundanshas. We made eye contact. I said to myself.."Uh-oh" and tried to turn away. She tapped me on the shoulder, we bowed, said "onegai shimasu" , then she showed me her big grin, and said..time to have some fun Joe! That smile made me so welcomed and comfortable. She made training always interesting. I always thought of her as the favorite Aikido"Auntie" of the Midwest. She was the glue that kept all of the local dojos together and was so well respected. Thank you Wendy Sensei for all you have taught me, your contribution and dedication to ASU and Aikido. I will definitely miss you. less
Wendy Sensei took me under her wing back in 1989 when I was new to the Aikido scene in the midwest and didn’t know anything or anyone. I have been the recipient of her friendship and boundless generosity all these many years since, and I am so grateful... moreWendy Sensei took me under her wing back in 1989 when I was new to the Aikido scene in the midwest and didn’t know anything or anyone. I have been the recipient of her friendship and boundless generosity all these many years since, and I am so grateful to Wendy for her kindness to me. Whenever I am feeling blue I look at this picture from one of the Boulder Summer Camps and remember there is still joy in the world. The quality of this picture of a picture is not so good, but the mischief on her face shines through. Wendy had a unique combination of joyful playfulness and a strong, steady sense of what was proper and correct. I remember the time she scolded me for ‘playing the drums’ on her kitchen cabinets. Oops! Then she showed me how to muck out the horse stall. Her dedication to Aikido has always been a kind of guiding light for me. I’m not sure how I’ll get along without her in the world, but she will always be in my heart. I miss her terribly. less
Diane Northam, Kirste Carlson and I were named "Ladies from Hades" by Wendy sensei - Spring of 2020 through Fall 2021, weekly classes. I have few words to share: my body movements have more to say. My posture. My presence in the world in both... moreDiane Northam, Kirste Carlson and I were named "Ladies from Hades" by Wendy sensei - Spring of 2020 through Fall 2021, weekly classes. I have few words to share: my body movements have more to say. My posture. My presence in the world in both large spaces and small. I feel a gladness and joy for the time that I had throughout the weekly bokken kata, then Iaito practice. less
Wendy Sensei will always have a special place in my heart. We were planning to host her for a seminar in Bozeman, Montana in 2019, but that had to be cancelled. She sent me this photo to be used in our seminar flyer, and it's just too good to not share.... moreWendy Sensei will always have a special place in my heart. We were planning to host her for a seminar in Bozeman, Montana in 2019, but that had to be cancelled. She sent me this photo to be used in our seminar flyer, and it's just too good to not share. I don't know who took the picture, but whoever did, if you're reading this, thank you. Quintessential Wendy. less
I was fortunate enough to have spent time with Wendy Sensei on the mat and socially on a number of occasions. I love her, and I thank her for all the moments of wit and wisdom, including the couple of times she almost made me wet my pants learning... moreI was fortunate enough to have spent time with Wendy Sensei on the mat and socially on a number of occasions. I love her, and I thank her for all the moments of wit and wisdom, including the couple of times she almost made me wet my pants learning Kumitachi 1-5. Much love to all that are hurting with this news. I would normally say Rest in Peace Wendy Sensei, but that doesn't seem to fit the warrior that she always will be. less
I met and trained with Wendy Sensei a couple of times in Colorado at the fantastic Glenwood Springs retreat and a few more times in Chicago. She was never afraid to let me know she would punch me in the face, and that made an impression. At the same... moreI met and trained with Wendy Sensei a couple of times in Colorado at the fantastic Glenwood Springs retreat and a few more times in Chicago. She was never afraid to let me know she would punch me in the face, and that made an impression. At the same time, what a smile runs through the photos below from everyone. She was delightful. I was so happy to run into her a few years ago at Honbu dojo in Tokyo. Sensei, Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu. less
Deepest heartfelt condolences to all. When her youngest students training overlapped with ours we saw Sensei’s compassion and her passion for teaching; she would not hesitate in having the whole Dojo partake a major effort to keep those young minds... moreDeepest heartfelt condolences to all. When her youngest students training overlapped with ours we saw Sensei’s compassion and her passion for teaching; she would not hesitate in having the whole Dojo partake a major effort to keep those young minds entertained and trained. Many fond memories, an amazing teacher and friend, she will be missed sorely. less
Wendy’s happy spirit was contagious. She exuded such a gentle strength. She was the most caring and generous person I’ve ever known. She was so wonderful to me and the many others she loved so dearly. She will be so sorely missed by everyone. Wendy,... moreWendy’s happy spirit was contagious. She exuded such a gentle strength. She was the most caring and generous person I’ve ever known. She was so wonderful to me and the many others she loved so dearly. She will be so sorely missed by everyone. Wendy, I will love you forever and hold you close in my heart. 😢🙏😇💗 less
The years pass and dates slip away, but I remember Wendy Sensei coming to Aikido of Madison for a mini Seminar. She brought a different flavor to the training one that led me to make the long drive from Madison down to Beecher once a month for the next... moreThe years pass and dates slip away, but I remember Wendy Sensei coming to Aikido of Madison for a mini Seminar. She brought a different flavor to the training one that led me to make the long drive from Madison down to Beecher once a month for the next year. That was the beginning, and then I certainly had no thought of an end. Much gratitude for the years of training and friendship, and hugs to those feeling the loss. less
A big Wendy hug to everyone here. Thank you for posting such wonderful and funny stories. The most memorable and impactful to me was something she said in passing, as effortlessly as breathing. "You need to give 3 kindnesses for every... moreA big Wendy hug to everyone here. Thank you for posting such wonderful and funny stories. The most memorable and impactful to me was something she said in passing, as effortlessly as breathing. "You need to give 3 kindnesses for every correction," she was talking about teaching, "because people are always doing things wrong and if that's all you talk about, that's all you get." She shared 3 things she thought we were doing right, and they were so trivial that I don't remember them. "Everything else you're doing is awful!" That might sound like a terribly mean thing to say - and from a certain perspective, probably true - but one look at the expression on her face was enough to crack everyone up. She was having fun with us, told us so, and then made a point during practice to tell people what they were doing right. While making a string of funny jokes at her own expense. It was a refreshing hour of joy and lightness that I'll never forget. I come back to it often, especially when I'm being too hard on myself. Thank you Wendy. Wherever you are, I hope they're ready for you. less
When I first met Wendy Sensei her disarming openness and inclusiveness moved me to ask her to come to our dojo to teach, even though we had just met. Because of her generosity and passion for our art we have had the privilege of several of her visits.... moreWhen I first met Wendy Sensei her disarming openness and inclusiveness moved me to ask her to come to our dojo to teach, even though we had just met. Because of her generosity and passion for our art we have had the privilege of several of her visits. Each time her unique blend of compassion and no-nonsense was like the 'stick' of the zen master ushering in clarity and wakefulness. Her intensity of budo spirit was matched only by her Hugs.
On a personal level, she was always available for guidance and as a sounding board. Her vast experience as a teacher delivered such cogent, sober insight and advice that always came across as true caring, support.
My heart goes out to all those who were touched by her. less
Such a bright, joyous light. I've known who she was since my first winter term and May Day seminars at Oberlin in the 90s. I wasn't lucky enough to be part of her inner circle. It was always good to see her on the mat though, and those hugs were justly... moreSuch a bright, joyous light. I've known who she was since my first winter term and May Day seminars at Oberlin in the 90s. I wasn't lucky enough to be part of her inner circle. It was always good to see her on the mat though, and those hugs were justly legendary.
She did her best to turn me into a kebab during my shodan exam. That already fond memory just got lots of new layers.
I am one of Ms. Whited’s students from Burnham School. Class of 1992. She left a lasting impression on each and every one of us. Tough but fair, she never gave up on one of us. I was fortunate to have her after she taught in Japan. We heard many... moreI am one of Ms. Whited’s students from Burnham School. Class of 1992. She left a lasting impression on each and every one of us. Tough but fair, she never gave up on one of us. I was fortunate to have her after she taught in Japan. We heard many stories of her teaching in Japan, and peaked all of our interests. So much so, we had her teaching us Japanese too! She kept all of our interest. Burnham was a special school, small classes and much more one on one with teachers. There were 18 kids in my class, so we knew our teacher well, because you had the same one all day. None of us ever forgot her. She was one of the best. Tough but fair and put a sense of humor on it all. She was a Legend at Burnham School, and will never be forgotten. less
She was a good friend to me whenever I had an issue or question, and to our dojo. I'll always appreciate her fierce humor, per passion for sharing aikido, and her unwavering support of Sensei and Patty. A remarkable life of contribution to this art.... moreShe was a good friend to me whenever I had an issue or question, and to our dojo. I'll always appreciate her fierce humor, per passion for sharing aikido, and her unwavering support of Sensei and Patty. A remarkable life of contribution to this art. Rest in Peace, Wendy Sensei less
I'm happy to have met Wendy Sensei at a few seminars in the past. She was extremely friendly and I remember being in one of the seminars were she was the featured instructor and I received great instruction from her. My deepest condolences to her family... moreI'm happy to have met Wendy Sensei at a few seminars in the past. She was extremely friendly and I remember being in one of the seminars were she was the featured instructor and I received great instruction from her. My deepest condolences to her family and friends and may she rest in peace. less
I met Wendy in 1989, at a seminar at Aikido of Madison (my first dojo) being taught by Mary Heiny Sensei. It was "love at first beating."...
I have never known another person in aikido who combined fierce training, gleefully homicidal crazy,... moreI met Wendy in 1989, at a seminar at Aikido of Madison (my first dojo) being taught by Mary Heiny Sensei. It was "love at first beating."...
I have never known another person in aikido who combined fierce training, gleefully homicidal crazy, deep care and concern for others, and a passion for helping people learn aikido the way that Wendy did. It was never about her as the center of attention. It was about the art she loved, the art she wanted others to fall in love with, the art that she was so concerned about helping people learn. As someone who has also taught for a long time (30 years in higher education), I know how easy it is to "burn out" and just go through the motions of teaching. That wasn't Wendy; our last conversations about teaching and aikido were just as passionate as ones we had 20 years ago.
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