Wendy Rose

Wendy Yudell Rose passed away suddenly on December 28th, from Pancreatic Cancer, diagnosed only a week prior. She was born on July 31, 1958, in Washington, D.C., where her father, Dr. Robert Yudell, was finishing his Residency in Ophthalmology. He and his wife, Anne Yudell, moved the family to Charlotte when Wendy was three years old. As the second of four daughters, Wendy was bright and energetic, making her a natural athlete. She loved snow skiing and became a champion diver and water skier in her youth. She was a Girl Scout and spent summers at Camp Seafarer, where she was awarded Best Diver, Best Water Skier, and even won the dance contest with Camp Sea Gull. In high school, Wendy was selected to be "Miss UNICEF" in the Thanksgiving Day Parade and she volunteered to read the newspaper on the radio for the blind. Wendy graduated East Mecklenburg High School's class of 1976, and went on to study interior design at the University of Georgia, where she received a Bachelor of Science. She realized another passion, by earning her degree in Cosmetology, and worked as a stylist at the Cuttery in downtown Charlotte in the early 1980's. One of her favorite places to vacation was Myrtle Beach, SC, where it was destiny that she met her husband, Sandy. In 1983, Wendy and Sandy were married at Temple Beth El. At age 26, Wendy started her own business, Casual Dining and Living, out of her home in historic Fourth Ward. Sandy was a furniture salesman, and when they joined forces to create their successful company, Rose Sales, Inc., they divided and conquered, with Wendy as the President, while Sandy traveled to serve their east coast customers. Wendy and Sandy were an unstoppable team in the Charlotte community at large. Wendy was a voracious reader who could relate to almost any subject in conversation. Her wit, charm, beauty, warmth and positivity made her a friend to all who met her. Wendy enjoyed beach days, walks around Freedom Park, and riding her bike on the greenway. She was known for her extraordinary culinary skills and her most requested dish was Clam Spaghetti. She was a fixture in Sharon Woods, helping connect neighbors with her Sharon Woods newsletter. Wendy was a Georgia Bulldogs fan and she loved to entertain friends and family in her home. Her greatest achievement was her family. When Wendy and Sandy had children, she divided her time between family and managing the business. Wendy was an incredible mother, who taught by example, and always did the right thing. Her newest passion was her grandson, Louis "Louie" Schwartz teaching him life skills as only a "Grandmama" can. Wendy Rose was a dynamic force, whose abrupt loss has left a hole in the fabric of her family, friends, and community. She will always be remembered for her can-do spirit, generous hospitality, and boundless energy. She will be so missed by those who felt her love. She is survived by her beloved husband, Sandy Rose, mother, Anne Yudell, daughters, Sarah Rose (Zack Schwartz) and Nina Rose, grandson, Louis Schwartz, and her sisters, Nancy Yudell (Bill Gupton, deceased), Sherry Yudell (Larry Raines), and Emily Freudenberger (Ron Freudenberger). She is predeceased by her father, Dr. Robert Yudell. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wendy's memory may be made to pancan.org for Pancreatic Cancer research or gail.uga.edu for the University of Georgia School of Textiles, Merchandising, & Interiors. There will be a Celebration of Wendy's Life in the Spring.