Wendy A. Carlson, 75, of Rome, NY, passed away on June 12, 2026, following an illness. Born on September 19, 1951, in Hackensack, NJ, she was the beloved daughter of Ronald J. Wulff and Anna Sauer Wulff. Following her graduation from Emerson High School, Wendy furthered her education at the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School before proudly serving her country by enlisting in the United States Navy. From 1970 to 1973, she served as a yeoman for the Director of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) in Washington, D.C. During her military service, Wendy created deep, lasting friendships, including one with CTA3 Timothy Nels Carlson. While in Washington, D.C., Tim and Wendy were active members of the Christian folk group, His Folk, and even recorded a musical album together. On June 17, 1972, Tim and Wendy were united in marriage, beginning a beautiful life full of shared memories.

Wendy’s strong work ethic and meticulous attention to detail shone throughout her career. She was employed as an executive manager at MetLife in Oriskany, where she was highly valued by her colleagues. She later worked as an executive secretary for Harding Manufacturing until her retirement.

Deeply dedicated to her faith and community, Wendy was a member of the Rome Alliance Church for 20 years before spending time in Michigan. Upon returning to Rome, she attended Grace Baptist Church, where she deeply enjoyed the fellowship of her church family. 

Wendy spent countless hours at many churches over the years leading Pioneer Girls, teaching Sunday School, and handling church bookkeeping. Gifted musically, she could often be found playing the piano and singing as a vital part of her church's worship team.

Wendy lived an active life and possessed a wide variety of passions. An avid reader, she loved to curl up with a good book or sit down at her piano. She eagerly awaited spring and summer each year to tend to her garden, where she planted beautiful tea roses. She inherited her father’s love of sailing, put many miles on her bicycle during warm weather, and enjoyed cross-country skiing in the winter. Above all, Wendy loved good conversation, sharing meals, and catching up with family and friends. She also served as a Girl Scout leader and loved taking the kids to the museums around Chicago. She was intensely proud of her children, and especially proud to earn the titles of grandmother and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 54 years, Timothy Carlson; her son, Peter (Jean) Carlson; her daughters, Rachel (John) Valk and Rebecca (Chris) Stedman; her brothers, John (Margarette) Wulff and Bill (Grexan) Wulff; and her sisters, Robin (Jeff) Kneipp, Jody (Joe) Costa, and Kathy (Chuck) Gerrity. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Zach, Allison, Tristan, Josh; and her adored great-grandchildren, Hudson and Westley.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Grace Baptist Church, 8553 Turin Rd, Rome, NY 13440. A funeral service will follow immediately at 4:00 PM, with a small reception for the extended family to be held afterward.

A private burial with military honors will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home.