Wendy Sue York-Grant, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, passed away at home on Friday, July 25th.

A California native, Wendy was born in Sacramento to Diane and Alan York. After graduating from Leland High School, she worked at Hewlett-Packard. At 23, a serendipitous trip to Santa Cruz led her to meet Jeff Grant. They crossed paths twice in one weekend—once at the Crow’s Nest and again at Aldo’s. They knew it was fate. A year after they married, they moved to Corralitos, where they would build a life together.

Wendy was a devoted mother to Jen and Kyle, her pride and joy. She always said that the years raising them were her best. They felt that in the love and support she constantly provided. Wendy took special joy in being a homemaker, and had fond memories of making every birthday and holiday celebration something special for her family.

Wendy found joy and satisfaction in the simple things in life - her pets, her garden, a foggy morning on the beach, or lunch out at her favorite local spot, Gayle’s. She and Jeff instilled in their children the value of simple pleasures, hard work, and to appreciate people from all walks of life.

It's important to share that Wendy faced significant private battles with alcoholism and mental health challenges. She died from complications of the disease, a loss we feared for too long. Despite this, she was supported by a loving family who saw her for who she was, beyond her struggles. She had a way of connecting with people wherever she went. Her warmth and self deprecating sense of humor were always present. She was a person of immense humanity and worth. We share her story not to define her by her disease, but to honor the full, complex person she was.

Wendy was preceded in death by her parents, Diane and Alan, and her sister, Marci. She is survived by her children, Jen and Kyle; her son-in-laws, Matt and Bobby; her grandchildren, Violet, Ellis, Crosby, and June; her sister Jodi and her brother-in-law, Ed.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, please know that help is available. We encourage you to reach out to a local advocacy organization or trusted loved one. The first step towards healing is seeking help. Please know that each day, each breath, each moment is a chance for a new start. Wendy would not have wanted anyone to continue struggling alone.