Wendy Mander - Founder of LADS
Wendy Sheila Langridge was born on 12th November 1927, the third child in what was to be a family of 4. When she was 4, her mother passed away. Seven years later her father married a wonderful lady who became a caring mother to the children. She encouraged Wendy to study and win a scholarship to Perth Modern School, where she was an excellent student, and was made a school prefect.
Tragedy struck again when her only brother was killed in the Kokoda Trail in New Guinea during the Second World War. Wendy's father died three years later. Her stepmother became a pillar of strength until leukaemia took her life five years after that.
Wendy completed her Bachelor of Arts degree at UWA, majoring in psychology and Maths. In 1953 Wendy married John Mander, and they had five children
For almost 40 years she worked as a school psychologist and guidance officer in various positions around the State. From the outset, she took a special interest in children with learning disabilities. Wendy never really retired. The only difference after her retirement party was that she was no longer paid for her heavy work-load. Wendy's work schedule was no different, whether it was paid or voluntary. She continued to work up to 80 hours per week, and was still writing reports in the Hospice a few weeks before her death.
Wendy devoted her life to the needs of children, parents, troubled adolescents and juvenile offenders, and desperate adults with attentional disorders and nowhere else to go. She was honoured in the Australia Day Awards in 1995 with the Order of Australian Medal, fitting recognition by her country for such a prodigious working life and such selfless, humble service to the community.
Wendy Mander passed away on Tuesday 14th December 1999, after a long illness, but her spirit continues to pervade LADS, and inspire all who work there.
WENDY
Do You Remember Wendy
The cockatoos are calling as they wheel across the sky
They leave the treetops swinging as they go.
We turn our heads to follow and hear their distant cry
For they are surely telling us "Wendy has passed by"
Do you remember Wendy with her honey-golden hair?
A smile that brought the warmth of winter sun.
A laugh that called "She's coming!"
It had a song to sing
And eyes of deepest knowing for all the wisdom they could bring.
Do you know she wrestled demons from the pain that filled her youth?
But she drove away their terror and hollowed out their truth.
Then she turned her lovely face to the sorrows others bore.
And she listened to their stories as no-one had before.
Still all the voices
Listen for a softer sigh.
Let your heads bow gently
"For a healer has passed by"
Rest in Peace Dear Wendy
Love, Angela