Obituary
Wendy had a rare gift: she was able to personalize every interaction, making each person she encountered feel truly seen for a day, week, or ongoing years. Her specialty—and her legacy—was making people feel warm, welcomed, and deeply cherished. Family was the center of her world, and her love for her children knew no bounds.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, leukemiarf.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org.
Chapel service, Wednesday 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Private family entombment. For information or to leave condolences: Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.
Service Information
Service : Wednesday, February 4th at 2:30 pm
Service Location: Shalom Chapel Service -Shalom Memorial Funeral Home
Interment:
Private
Guest Book & Memories
Share your memories and photographs below.
February 22nd, 2026
Wendy and I spent hours chatting at the mailbox or in the middle of street. Wendy’s spirit was pure and her heart kind, she was a beautiful person. I learned that we had so many things in common, like both of us meeting and falling for our spouses when we were children and of course we both talked fondly our kids and families. Upon returning from vacation last September, I wondered why I hadn’t seen Wendy out and about as we’d usually catch up during dog walks or trips to the mailbox. Early one morning I texted her and she texted me back almost immediately, updating me as to why to she was absent. I took her a plant and a card and a few weeks later Gene and I caught up just as Wendy and I would do at the mailbox. Before that day Gene and I hadn’t really spoken much, but during that chat it was clear that Gene’s love and concern for Wendy palpable. I also saw that Gene too was kind, caring and genuine as he asked me about my health battles , another thing Wendy and I had in common which Wendy had shared with him.
This morning I was in my driveway and I looked at Wendy’s house in its stillness with concern and even though I have wanted to go over for weeks; I didn’t want to impose. So this morning, I typed Wendy’s name and it led me here. I am sad so sad, I have missed Wendy for months. I am also mad that we never did what we said we’d do; sit together spend time catching up.
I am so very grateful that she was a ray of sunshine in my life and I will always remember her as my friend.
Gene, Tracey and Blake my condolences for your loss. ❤️❤️❤️
~Jackie Dunigan
~Neighbor, Mundelein, IL
February 7th, 2026
We are so sorry for your loss
Wendy was a kind soul that adored her family. May she rest in peace
May her memory be a blessing
Gilat Zamost
~Gilat Zamost
~Friend, Highland Park
February 5th, 2026
Bethany, Beth, Geneva and myself extend our condolences to the Klassman family. We, as the vascular access team at Condell, got to know Wendy very well both on the inpatient and outpatient side of her care. She was a wonderfully kind person, and it was a pleasure to take care of her. May she rest peacefully.
~Jayme Johnson
~Vascular Access Nurse at Condell, Libertyville, IL
February 2nd, 2026
Wendy was like a second mother to me and all of Tracey and Blake’s friends. Wendy was the most caring, loving, thoughtful person, who made everyone feel so special. She was so proud of Tracey and Blake and all their accomplishments. I feel so fortunate and grateful to have spent so much precious times with Wendy. I will cherish the memories forever.
~Tamar Schwartzman
~Friend, Chicago, IL
February 2nd, 2026
Word can not express the sincere condolences to the family. I came in to the family at about 7yrs old red haired and freckles. I will never forget the big purple room at aunties house that Wendy had. We would enjoy jumping on that bed all the little cousins and wendy would be right there with us, the huge family gatherings at Auntie Marilyn and Uncle Sandy house and Wendy was the 1st person out of all the cousins I met. She embraced me with a huge bear hug as if i was always apart of the family. She would love to curl and braid my hair as it was so long . As an adult when our paths would cross from time to time she would still embrace me and give that beautiful smile. It was just a few months ago that we last saw each other at baubies(aunt carol) you were so happy and filled with that angelical glow. we had so many laughs at the table that day. You will always be missed and never forgotten
~Tamera Lawrence
~cousin, kenosha
February 2nd, 2026
I was fortunate to know Wendy through her beloved daughter Tracey. Their bond was truly special. Wendy’s family was the center of her world and witnessing her devotion to Glenn, Blake and Tracey was a privilege. I extend my deepest condolences to this wonderful family. We will miss Wendy every day. ❤️❤️❤️
~Rebecca Benson
~Friend, Chicago, IL
February 2nd, 2026
She was the heartbeat of every room—the kind of person who didn’t just find happiness, she created it. As an incredible godmother, wife, and mother, she set a standard of love I strive to reach every day. Im going to miss her more than words can say, the memory of her laugh is a gift that will always bring me joy. She brought so many wonderful memories to our family and I will hold onto those forever. I find peace knowing she’s watching over us, reunited with Grandpa , uncle Brent, uncle Rocky& uncle Larry in heaven.
~Jessica Gomez
~God daughter, Naples , fl
February 2nd, 2026
Oh my sweetest cousin. I have not seen you in years but I remember your warm hugs and smile. I remember your wedding, vividly. They had a man with a video camera and microphone. When they handed it to me, I was so excited, I said I love you so much When and Glendy. I was 8 and it was my first real wedding. You looked so beautiful I thought you should have been royalty.
I remember huge Hannukah parties at aunties. You were always the first to volunteer to sit at the kids table. You always made us giggle. Me, Kimmy, Scottie and Ryan. You’d even come upstairs, I the landing and supervise our wrestling matches. You’d come to the basement with us and set up the pails and balls, like we were on the Bozo show. I love you so much cousin. I pray I see you again and if I don’t, you’ll always be in my memories, never forgotten. You were pure love and kindness to this chunky, insecure little girl. You made me feel accepted and loved.
~Shannon Clare
~Cousin, Wichita, Kansas
February 1st, 2026
Wendy was such a wonderful person. I was fortunate to know her through her beloved daughter Tracey. Their bond was truly something special. We will miss Wendy every day. Sending my deepest condolences to Glenn, Tracey, Blake and their entire family. May Wendy’s memory be a beautiful blessing. ❤️❤️❤️
~Rebecca Benson
~Friend, Chicago, IL
February 1st, 2026
Wendy was the sweetest person we’ve ever known. We always talked about how deeply we loved our children, she was there to help us thru the passing of our son 5 years ago. .We know the pain and strength it will take to move forward, but Wendy (your loving mother) will be watching over you .All our love and prayers.
~Linda Thompson
~, Wauconda
January 31st, 2026
My sincere condolences to the entire family. She was a lovely person and I know she’ll be missed greatly.
Debra Miller
~Debra Miller
~Sister in law to Joyce Strom, Boca Raton
January 31st, 2026
Spending time with the Klassman family as their neighbors was always fun and so special to us. We always had a lot of laughs and a great time. Wendy was one of the most special and nice person that we have ever known. She was a great friend, mother and wife. We will forever miss her. She will always live in our hearts 💕
~Gail and Jack Eisenberg
~Friend, Northbrook, IL.
January 31st, 2026
I was incredibly lucky to have helped Wendy in her most vulnerable time at Condell. We shared so many happy moments, a few sad. We really got to know one another. She loved her family, more than words can express. She always worried about others and thought of others over herself. We had deep conversations, and she brought calm with her presence. Being her nurse was an honor. I know I’m not the only one she has touched in this life. She would light up every room she was in, even when she was sick. I’ll never forget you Wendy, thank you for the memories. For such a short time that we had known eachother, you sure had a standing impact. Rest in peace beautiful soul.
~Caitlin Riley-Santiago
~Former Nurse, Grayslake, IL
Guest Book and Memories
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