03/12/2025
Last week, our annual Board of Directors Dinner became something profoundly special—a heartfelt celebration and farewell to Wendie Batho, as she officially steps into retirement - or, as she prefers, ‘diversification’. 💛
All Quest staff and Board members were present on the night, which sparkled with moving—and delightfully humorous—speeches from Petrea, Board Chair Jim van Bruinessen, long-time Quest facilitator Bernadette Arena, and of course, Wendie herself, who had us laughing one minute and swallowing a lump in our throat the next. 😂💖
In honour of her extraordinary contribution, Wendie was presented with a framed portrait and a special plaque inscribed with the words: “A guiding light, mentor and dear friend. Much loved by the staff, participants and Quest’s professional community.”
It’s hard to capture in a single evening—or a single post—the depth of what Wendie has brought to Quest for Life. As Petrea’s life partner and the Centre’s Co-Founder, she has shaped this organisation at every level with her trademark integrity, humour and heart.
Wendie has been a steady, generous, and joyfully mischievous presence—someone who could hold a room with wisdom one moment and then introduce us to new vocabulary like “oomy goomy” and “fluff bucket” the next. We’ll miss her humourous stories, her twinkling eyes, and her signature “Give us a kiss!” 😘
While we’ll deeply miss having her woven into the daily rhythm of Quest, her legacy lives in every corner of this place and every person she has mentored, encouraged, or simply helped to feel truly seen.
Here’s to Wendie and the remarkable chapters she has authored so far—and to the brand-new ones waiting for her now. 📖🌼
