Community
6 May, 2026
‘Countless’ lives touched by Wendie’s compassion and quiet strength
Tributes have been flowing in following the death of Wendie Batho, one of the co-founders of the Quest for Life Centre in Bundanoon.
Tributes have been flowing in following the death of Wendie Batho, one of the co-founders of the Quest for Life Centre in Bundanoon.
Wendie’s long-time partner, Petrea King, said the Quest for Life Centre would not exist without Wendie’s “extraordinary energy, wisdom and dedication”.
“Her compassion and quiet strength touched countless lives, both within the Quest community and beyond,” Petrea said this week.
“Her legacy lives on in the healing, connection and hope she made possible.”
Wendie passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, May 1 with Petrea by her side.
Sue Nightingale said Wendie’s light, love, passion and the positive difference she made in the world “would be felt in a lasting way through those that met you, loved you and of course through all that Quest has done and continues to do for so many”.
“Your programs have changed my life and I am eternally grateful,” she posted on Wendie’s tribute page.
Nicola Andrews described Wendie as a “truly inspirational and uplifting human, full of warmth, energy and a genuine zest for life”.
Sandy Beech described Wendie as “one of the most beautiful souls” she had ever known.
“From the very first time we met over 12 years ago at Quest, you reminded me that I was enough, exactly as I am, and that is a gift that I will carry with me always,” she wrote.
“Your support, your kindness and the way you believed in me at Quest for Life meant more than words can ever say.”
Johnna Ehmke remembers meeting Wendie for the first time when working at Quest for Life and feeling “instantly at ease”.
“She had this cheeky, silly sense of humour that always made me laugh and she never held back – honest, direct but always with so much warmth behind it.
“She had a Wendie way of making people feel comfortable and looked after without making a big deal of it,” Johnna wrote.
A Celebration of Life for Wendie will be held at the Quest for Life Centre this Friday, May 8 commencing at 11am.
Those people who are able to attend in person or online are being asked to RSVP via Wendie’s tribute page at https://bit.ly/4dik64p
Those people who wish to remember Wendie with a contribution to the Quest for Life Centre can do so at https://bit.ly/48AeFev
All donations will go to the Wendie Batho Memorial Fund and will support people attending Quest for Life programs.
All donations to the Wendie Batho Memorial Fund over $2 are tax deductible.
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