Wendy Don-Fallas

Wendy Kaye Don-Fallas, 55, of Quepos, Costa Rica and Traverse City, entered this world on March 7, 1964 and departed September 16, 2019 in San Jose, Costa Rica.

She was born under the sign of Pieces; water, which set the stage for her life for adventures on the Sea. She received her captain’s license at age of 23 and sailed to the US and British Virgin Islands and Greater Antilles and ultimately her beloved Costa Rica. She and her former partner owned a charter fishing business aboard their boat “Caribsea.”

Through the years she lost one love and found another, her husband Jose, in which they shared twenty years together. During that time they ran a successful vacation rental business, “Wild Orchid Estates”. They had many wonderful years together.

Her talents were many and she succeeded at everything she tried. Wendy held women’s world records in fly sport fishing; she loved to tie her own flies. She loved her cats and dogs, was an avid gardener and was a quilter. She taught herself to speak Spanish and taught children in Costa Rica to speak English. Wendy loved helping others and was well loved.

Wendy is survived by her husband, Jose Fallas of Quepos and his children, Antonio, Jose Jr. (JJ) and Andrea Núñez; mother, Barbara Don of Traverse City; siblings, Kelly (Dean) Stuhlmueller also of Traverse City, Derek (Jennifer) Don of Essexville, MI and Stephen (Anne) Don of Bethel , Maine; nieces and nephews, Jacqueline, Gretchen, Sean, Jacob, Joshua, Deano and Meghan; aunts, uncles, cousins and many US and Costa Rica friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Douglas Don Jr.; beloved Aunt “Tia” Nancy and former partner, Harry Gray.

The family will greet friends from 2pm to 3:30 pm, Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Life Story Funeral Home. A brief service will be held at 3:30 pm.

Please visit www.lifestorytc.com to share your thoughts with the family.