DUPONT, Wendy

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ September 10, 1997 Wendy DuPont of Cave Creek died Sept. 2. She was 48. Ms. Dupont was the daughter of long-time Wickenburg residents Walter and Bonnie Johnson. Ms. Dupont –an entertainer, teacher, composer and conductor – was originally from Barrington, Ill., when she graduated Saluda Victorian from Barrington High School in 1967. She graduated with honors from Indiana University’s famed School of Music in 1972, received her teacher certification from Ball State University, and proceeded to settle in Phoenix area. In the years which have followed, Wendy developed several aspects of her musical career: composing and recording both commercials and visionary music; performing on a regular basis at the world-renowned Boulders Resort; and at several valley churches’ teaching music, both privately and in school; and helping create and perform a self esteem and drug prevention program called “The Wonder of Me” for more than 20,000 school children. She was a single mother. Her daughter Noelle was born in 1984. In 1993, Wendy was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her journey has included three surgeries and two rounds of bath radiation and chemo therapy. She also depended upon an aggressive use of natural therapies and prayer. During the past year, Wendy developed a presentation titled “Cancer Has Taught Me Much – But Why Wait?, which combined her story and music. In her love of the outdoors, especially the beautiful foothills area of Cave Creek, where she lived, Wendy up until recently continued hiking and jogging, along with her professional career during this challenging time. She also volunteered as choral director of her daughter’s local charter school. Wendy has written much music about hope, joy, love and the power of positive thinking. She believed that walking the walk greatly empowered her ministry. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her daughter, Noelle; a brother, Dr. Ronald Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and a sister, Joanna Guemmer of Auburn, Calif. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, located at the corn of the Carefree Highway and Scottsdale Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wendy DuPont memorial Fund for her daughter Noelle, Bank One, Acct. No. 43024109, P. O. Box 822, Carefree, AZ 85377 or any Bank One branch; or to any charitable organization of the donor’s choice. The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ September 10, 1997 Wendy DuPont of Cave Creek died Sept. 2. She was 48. Ms. Dupont was the daughter of long-time Wickenburg residents Walter and Bonnie Johnson. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her daughter, Noelle; a brother, Dr. Ronald Johnson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and a sister, Joanna Guemmer of Auburn, Calif. Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church, located at the corn of the Carefree Highway and Scottsdale Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wendy DuPont memorial Fund for her daughter Noelle, Bank One, Acct. No. 43024109, P. O. Box 822, Carefree, AZ 85377 or any Bank One branch; or to any charitable organization of the donor’s choice.